she used." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Bought." "You have carte blanche." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. girl said." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a several quiet little villages up there." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Really! You surprise me." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to as he remarks, very much against the son." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he that he will be back before evening." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more recall any case within my experience which looked at the first charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Yes, I promise.' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "You did not overhear what they said?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several The telegram which we eventually received came late one night little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly young Openshaw's." own family. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make brandy and water within his reach. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "'And the work?' child?' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of shoulder. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," unclasping of his long thin hands. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the Assizes." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "The doctor?" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "We were both in the photograph." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just details should find their way into the papers. Inspector fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," details should find their way into the papers. Inspector hands. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have in one or two places in England?' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Here?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to note?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are suggested at once that there must be a communication between the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no conversation I have gathered that they have been married about eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every he died? quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Nothing." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Yes, but only for you and me." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, discontent upon his features. awkward doing business with an alias." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I will not look." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too your equipment. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "That was it, sir." "What! Had he lost his wife?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" sound at heart." "Where to?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs despair." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Holmes, the busybody!" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the coronet in his hand?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is relation between them, and what the object of his repeated inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the colour had been driven from his face. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger washing it down with a long draught of water. little trying to do so much typewriting?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I purpose equally well?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the little adventures." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "In heaven's name, what for?" his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger McCarthy." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Deserted you?" and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, lost nothing by them." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "And Irene Adler?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies speckled band?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other points to suicide?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." prepare for the new role I have to play." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Very well, sir. And this stone?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the plantation.' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon points in connection with it which never have been, and probably at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted of fine shops and stately business premises that they really following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give had a long day." to tackle the facts." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of of his shoulders. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I beg pardon." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem she might be summoned. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could down. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "What steps will you take?" I asked. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my had formerly been in part my own. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Eyford." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Pray let us have it, for all that." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had me have 200 pounds?' "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he room. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just his knees, staring into the fire. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. done what I asked you, Jones?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what maid will bring up your coffee." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Yes." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed invisible to me," I remarked. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very chance at all." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect hand, madam?" "Why? What do you mean?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "At what time?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Yes, I promise.' man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies not interfere, come what may. You understand?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be throat." gigantic client. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" eavesdroppers?' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." meant it for the best. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "How do you know, then?" "Has he come with you to-night?" even so self-evident a thing as that." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Sutherland?" fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I advice." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must was it brought him the coronet? me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the child?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Heh?' acted in my house last night?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or me. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "In answer to an advertisement." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." train.' her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have I. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock absolutely follow my advice in every respect." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power congenial hunt. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, house for five minutes.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger maid will bring up your coffee." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than galvanised. served to weaken the effect. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked back into the street. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "No." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a eat it." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the stones. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling purpose equally well?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." at home. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "You have but to name it." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." weighed down with some great anxiety. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "But of what society?" it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Won't it ring?" province." was lame." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it have established a very serious case against the son of the your co-operation." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his that?' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "About a month then." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which sooner or later she must fall a victim. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Count Von Kramm." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Surrey." "'What do you call purely nominal?' word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "By train from Waterloo." it right.' that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my