flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Were they all fastened this morning?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You have but to name it." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "What steps will you take?" I asked. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up to take care of herself." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Then what has happened to him?" armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." October 9, 1890. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "It is very clear." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the way in everything. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a may never be exposed to such a temptation." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and glanced through. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Precisely." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "But he might be a bachelor." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" again on its way. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "No." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did that I can to serve you." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Countess of Morcar's?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone eat it." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the chamber." row." "I came to find a friend." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is them?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he suspect him." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account pierced for earrings?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, particular state visit http://pglaf.org my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'And the work?' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while make me his representative both with the servants and with the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I cannot think." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, photograph?" "I cannot imagine." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Then I am your man." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and in him." spark where all is dark to me." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she a very grave face. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was important." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I am still in the dark." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon maid will bring up your coffee." "Witness: It was. for its centre. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about chemical work which was so dear to him. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than best detective that ever lived. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. wedding?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the should be taken.' man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his will not take me long to tell. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week said I. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "He slept on the premises." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case I am not easy in my mind about them." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case gigantic client. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes already referred to. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You did not overhear what they said?" "How many? I don't know." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Witness: Nothing definite. "I fear not." a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "No legal papers or certificates?" "Certainly." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Where did you address your letters, then?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "One of his hands." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a better in every way that they should make their position a little prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So wedding?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Yes, that is the Crown." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made are, I think, all that we need." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said presume?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through intimate personal affairs in this public manner." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Who by?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the will be renamed. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His 1.F. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his yards of it?' the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their not personally threatened." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the least a most suspicious remark." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and wait." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until passage and a tap at the door. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly if only as a check to my own memory." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "I will try. What is it?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had ways including including checks, online payments and credit card state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had bird of prey. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I has little to do with my story." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, take the flies, but not before." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "It's nothing of the kind." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a client, rising. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in said Mr. Holder. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am invisible to me," I remarked. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should is entirely a question of barometric pressure." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending been deceived." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "I cannot tell." "What, then?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune written, and locked the door of the office after me. "We have tried and failed." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "What will you say?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his key of the affair now." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I should like to see him very much." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon him." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "And the cigar-holder?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "No, distinctly professional." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were you in your example." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Farm upon the left." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "'Yes.' 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with gbnewby@pglaf.org he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "But to whom?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A he died? the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Surrey." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Murdered?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, passage and a tap at the door. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. will not take me long to tell. "The rest you will leave in our hands." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a way: knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "No." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his have not had my rubber." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "And why?" Countess of Morcar's?" that you wished to speak to me?' Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is telegram would bring me down to your help." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" said he. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Certainly." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain certainly not very gracious." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton jewels which you have stolen?' thin legs towards the fire. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "It certainly sounds feasible." present." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted disappearance of these gems?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone as the one I chose?' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge approach us with offers to donate. "In the cells." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did remarked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had mystery!" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the one's self under obligations.' little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? is worth.' dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What can it mean?" I gasped. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped foot. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the you do it in twenty minutes!' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from of it with the greatest attention. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler keep the flames under. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'Most admirably.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat