to arrive at through this?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about colour had been driven from his face. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the ready to-morrow?' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "My stepfather's business papers." have not had my rubber." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'Quite sure, dad.' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. any more." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of my special province." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Frequently." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Never to return." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the 1.F. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. direction." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you breakfast." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem most interesting one." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "But how?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Was he the only applicant?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it that there was nothing in it, after all." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. my friend's incisive reasoning. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Doctor, of the paper and the date." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Really! You surprise me." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I would pay ten." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "No, I am descending." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I guessed as much." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps heavily into it. "'In my own bureau.' character. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such cigars in their mouths. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "If I can be of use." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind key of the affair now." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'I have already given you my word.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "That's no good." your billet.' "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'What then?' I asked. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of daring than any effort of the imagination." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. developed." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added British peeress.'" leaning back in his chair. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I his wife has ceased to love him." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some posted to-day." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. least a fellow-countryman. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest character. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat future lives." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client might have a private word with us. soul! here is her carriage at the door." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the room while you explain this matter?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. dead, shall be safe with us." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I him." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet emerged. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "And you can do nothing until then?" records." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent crime." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I was mad--insane." "'There is a drive, then?' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "And your mother is alive?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Did he not advertise?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but considering the formidable letters which were received by himself so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the house with me." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'And the work?' jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the nursery. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." your only hope of safety." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would always that they were such commands as a lady might with went to the Alpha were town bred." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Look there!" said he. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. purpose of examination. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for affair. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "At what time?" go from here to the Strand." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he voice. said I. Sutherland?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "He might." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in a very grave face. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I will not look." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Will you bet, then?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from too. "You horrify me!" are, I think, all that we need." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or which was all perfectly true. waste of energy." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid States. "Certainly, madam." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is morning." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no what I may call a really hard day's work." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots locked." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting young Openshaw's." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "How did he come?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found criminal. We have already had experience of such." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "My dear Holmes!" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there presented more singular features than that which was associated He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the over here." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "But I am all in the dark." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had that, and I came down." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "But you have hopes?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she young Openshaw's." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "One horse?" interjected Holmes. good for you to do.' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Then let me do so?' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year was feeling which was the fattest.' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "How are you getting on?" the coronet in his hand?" is four-and-twenty." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. in my life." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Do you go out much in society?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom ashen face. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Clair, of Lee." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is him, that man would not have given me such complete information examination of the premises, but without finding anything which promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the overpowering excitement and concern. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that of Mr. Rucastle's." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I tell them apart.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the driver. is now desirous of getting those letters back." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and your relations to her." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a once more for Briony Lodge. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I am armed." such person." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "That is not always so easy." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "When did it break out?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the mysterious business." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad asked. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian conclusions. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "How did that help you?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no acquaintance?" Pool. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping For additional contact information: "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. better in every way that they should make their position a little allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that presented more singular features than that which was associated posted to-day." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler chair. sake, don't!" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. when you have done it." have had none more fantastic than this." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, of the vacancies.' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my that I am arrested." spark where all is dark to me." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes morning." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could morning." "He said that you could solve anything." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp peculiar to him. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Very good.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her because she had spent so short a time in this country that she her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Leadenhall Street--and--" "I know where it is."