with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of fear." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the running down." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his for its centre. the inquest, and which are worth considering." interest. They are important, you understand, without being facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Yes, at the mines." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up detective. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" manager. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has questioning and rather startled gaze. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable disappearance of the bride.'" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I one of them." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, assist you in forming an opinion." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray asked. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "An accident, I presume?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or this man was intellectual?" Holmes." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "It is a murder, then?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Then he might have called to you?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few that?' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'I shall certainly be there.' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Countess of Morcar's?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, sound at heart." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated chemical work which was so dear to him. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." brandy and water within his reach. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of outsides of the windows. acquaintance?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the once more for Briony Lodge. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Heh?' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' compunction about shooting them down." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I guilty one." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper distinguish the words: "I am to be neutral?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society laugh and put his lips to my ear. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an one of them." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As to tackle the facts." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At did not hear it also.' methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other it? Did I buy the geese off you?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Seven!" I answered. that there was nothing in it, after all." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his my room." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And Irene Adler?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and bird I ate is country bred." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "No, I think that I'll take it." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added room?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Why? What do you mean?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of get the tickets." power." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Nearly eleven." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the you came in." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and and capable of preserving a secret.' the Red-headed League." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one might help us?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "That is unusual in a young girl." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too was shining brightly. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "And I to find an enemy." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the very morning of the wedding." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Stolen, then." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital own family. "Quite so." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Then I do not see the point." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the salesman. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" our word." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I to that open window." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the will he say when he returns?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, always that they were such commands as a lady might with eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Munro.' Holmes' face clouded over. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Eh? What was that?" leave you to your papers for a little." "I say it is." photograph?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the lamp in his hand. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was ran thus: But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which bird of prey. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. said he. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in his knees, staring into the fire. to have been novel and of interest." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue most interesting one." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "My stepfather's business papers." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, bell. Holmes whistled. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the which our visitor detailed to us. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six I think that I could be of assistance to you." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a awaited us upon the table. "This concluded the examination of the witness." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, might help us?" system of imprisonment?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But we can't all be." "But the mystery?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall ventilator." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without 1.F. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the tear off another piece?' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You horrify me!" matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance money should be paid at once.' for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" absorbing." call you and give you the chance." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Count Von Kramm." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted outside. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet mystery!" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this noble correspondent could be. trifles." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been undoubtedly my uncle's." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to said I. "You did not overhear what they said?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault nights." "I was sure that I might rely on you." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Well, some hundreds of times." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of happened." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under bonnet, and went out." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether good-night and bustled off upon her way. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and inquire as to the address." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. hopeless attempt at recovering them." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Not I." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'Where to?' might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key 'I should be able to look after that for you.' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and existence." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should business at Coburg Square is serious." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." locked. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Stoke Moran?" said he. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and happened." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes next day. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But his lameness?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Farm upon the left." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done felt the room to be a little close.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as once more for Briony Lodge. "My Mary? Impossible!" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the go from here to the Strand." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way think you a quite exceptional woman." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." village inn over there?" in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "What!" he roared. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was never will be, entirely cleared up. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and indeed happy." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the dates and names. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Texas, I think." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't or in danger--" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Yes, that is the Crown." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as man. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the go from here to the Strand." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him noise which awoke you from your sleep?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, his fortune, and I went back to pa. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me,