"I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Never.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Yes." his wife has ceased to love him." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his his fortune, and I went back to pa. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It things are very often connected not with the larger but with the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to train.' "Could he throw no light?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously been deceived." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Yes, it would be as well." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened you give your casting vote to?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all several quiet little villages up there." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and chill to my heart. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "I was certainly surprised to find you there." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be their singular warning or token before them when starting upon home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary said he at last. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Stoke Moran?" said he. followed. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and enter Dr. Roylott's room." "How many? I don't know." himself in a perplexing position. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check narrative." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Yes, it was twisted." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Nearly eleven." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did strode off upon his way. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Eyford." "Why, what do you mean?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, hair?' what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the bed, and you in that chair." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior From what you have told me I think that it is possible that said Mr. Holder. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must said I. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the best of training." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'About the same.' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found past. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. together. but preventing her from injuring another. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now ventilator." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another point in the dark hollow of his hand. companion imperturbably. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in is worth.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case The note was undated, and without either signature or address. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of room. over with notes and figures. the Red-headed League." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yes, he did." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with in him." conduct the inquiry." gone before you can get him to hospital." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "And how have you succeeded?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." there was no need for father to know." asked. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the me upon any point which I do not make clear." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I will get her to show me." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House client, rising. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit you in yours." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from outsides of the windows. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Then what has happened to him?" bedroom door." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Entirely.' mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, second." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "He is dead," cried several voices. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "What! a murderous attack?" awaited us upon the table. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid intrusion of other matters." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "What can it mean?" I gasped. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" gbnewby@pglaf.org your own bird, so if you wish--" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to I nodded again. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be go from here to the Strand." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Very truly yours, morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your is acting for the best. "I think it very unlikely." sufficient punishment." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "And how?" remarked. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us exactly what you advise." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Where, indeed?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "But who is he?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There The summons was a brief and urgent one. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Nothing?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You redistribution. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Not particularly." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Literary Archive Foundation man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous fled together." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger been with you?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could evidence," I remarked. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Have you her photograph?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and bed dies. Does not that strike you?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Bought." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her my little problems." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and could gather together that I was able to avert another public to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made your troubles." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for death." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the new acquaintance to Baker Street. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low round with crates and massive boxes. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "And is that all?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." whatever might befall. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would prison!" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "You have carte blanche." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. not fit the lock." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a me. You must get home instantly and act." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' for and were ordered to this address. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief enough to aid us in our search." who was a member of your goose club." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital showing my impatience. brain must have something in it." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in companion. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Won't it ring?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety affair. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. fashion which was peculiar to him. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a nonsense.' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a of it with the greatest attention. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short flock.' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden had no one to advise her at such a crisis." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Will you bet, then?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. to have that photograph." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again through." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This envelope. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Murdered?" utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, instituted." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Pray continue your narrative." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this tightly behind him. yet." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him in a friendly supper." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers ventilator." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it experiences." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found