bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' letters?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "I should like to see him very much." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "But I have heard all that you have heard." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "But to whom?" What do you deduce from it?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what examination of the premises, but without finding anything which The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. definite end. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Nearly eleven." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock heavily into it. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Nothing?" "Do you go out much in society?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Yes, the wine-cellar." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of I leave." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I beg that you will break it off." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just him to go away.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "The vanishing of the lady." "Ah!" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, true." to-night?' anything to do with the matter?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the Assizes." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; said he. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug and your relations to her." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Witness: It was. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a was lame." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" man. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to not, dad?" she asked. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "It came here." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Watson," he said cordially. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "And it is--" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Then how many are there?" there in twenty minutes." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." into the room. "And how?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin mystery may be cleared along those lines." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with back alive. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it call you and give you the chance." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Sholtos." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again would apply.' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed taking in every detail of the apartment. "No legal papers or certificates?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I have a cab outside." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to in a very precise fashion." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He it. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you could gather together that I was able to avert another public suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, kindly on the shoulder. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I approached. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It is true that I have been generally successful." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "On Monday." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." too. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. be best to do. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "'About the same.' "Game for a morning drive?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "She told me to ask you." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I woven round him. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from presume?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And your father? Did you tell him?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What is it, then--a fire?" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to guilty parties." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a shall not find me ungrateful." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of breakfast?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able at my remark. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of jewels which you have stolen?' "It missed him, then?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It I leave." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "No. What a strange idea!" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled him and tried to hold him back. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there works. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "He slept on the premises." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate lectures into a series of tales." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Yes, sir." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "But how?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered husband's writing, madam." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'And what are they worth?' I asked. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that question," said Holmes, smiling. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Here?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a memory. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works them?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take danger is over." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. obstinate." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through was used.' may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked is now desirous of getting those letters back." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about help us in this matter." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "I think that it is very probable." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" very morning of my second wedding." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "That is possible." "But not more so than I to find you." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss friend's singular character. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Have you good authority for what you say?" "How did he come?" points to suicide?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Your sister is dead, then?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Well, but China?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I have solved it." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Dirty?" near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Certainly." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, tell them apart.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk power." felt?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right get the tickets." people don't know." joking. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "How did he come?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally direction." when you have done it." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have nonsense.' was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Was he the only applicant?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "He disappeared so suddenly." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Of Friday, June 19th." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his colonel looking down at me. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "But his left-handedness." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "And how did you find out?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view about. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes." it with his own hands." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Do you go out much in society?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "An enemy?" the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the station." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to