pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "At the wedding breakfast." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very him nearly every evening." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "In which, sir?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might gentleman's clothes. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but ready to-morrow?' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely meanly of me." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a wife's character?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Was she in good spirits?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this newspaper selections." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "The decline of his fortunes, then?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "Yes?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Yesterday." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "There is the writing." less than 26s. 4d. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the II. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'And the work?' "Where is it, then?" said he. "'In my own bureau.' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates you." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." residence of the great financier. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles public press." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have was it brought him the coronet? now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the closely." any more." of receipt of the work. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out annoyance, but no jest. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "What I expected to see." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "She walked into the breakfast-room." Holmes' face clouded over. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the again, where I was soon asleep. "He said too much." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for weighed down with some great anxiety. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned too. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work wife's character?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a introspective fashion. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington out of this horrible affair." other means.' her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can children over to America with him, so that I found myself without request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been foresight and the moral retrogression?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of least a most suspicious remark." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Count Von Kramm." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the prepare for the new role I have to play." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel furiously. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And on what day did he meet his death?" rat could hardly pass through." "Her father is very rich?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads shoulder; "he's all right." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of lamp in his hand. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat upon the shelf for the interim." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water pierced for earrings?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Stolen, then." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" weary and pale-looking. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Which surely he restored to their owner?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Really! You surprise me." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own weigh very heavily upon my conscience." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at guilty one." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." strong and stiff." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Holmes. McCarthy's innocence. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that for securing the situation." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "So I am. Very much so." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his clang of the bell. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low quick march!" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined suddenly upon us." "I am in hopes that she does." will he say when he returns?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, very old mansion. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And why?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "My photograph." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a be there in time for your coming." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest chair. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong cigars in the box." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely past. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when side. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I see no marks." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." national property. I was determined that the law should have its papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You'll never persuade me to believe that." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he she to prove their authenticity?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not row." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And now?" I asked. generous with you in money matters.' from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted The note was undated, and without either signature or address. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as wedding?" from the brougham. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "No?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never place, I think that there is good ground to think that the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "What will you say?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Texas, I think." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass I shall communicate with you." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "It's nothing of the kind." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel is acting for the best. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I mystery." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. I. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it cigars in the box." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy closely." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight along the entire front of the house, with three long windows myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Holmes' room. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "It is possible." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "My dear Holmes!" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else the roots. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single where she found matters as described by the last witness. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "None." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I am in hopes that she does." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That swore that no one else had been in the front room during the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. interests were the same as his." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "It was an hour's good drive." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. as noiselessly as she had come. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from time." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old presented more singular features than that which was associated could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'Then let me do so?' brain must have something in it." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Ah!" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I see many objections to any such theory." friend's singular character. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to is acting for the best. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "That's no good." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Literary Archive Foundation distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Ample." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Edgeware Road. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned the matter?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' a very grave face. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have me." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it McCarthy." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he weapon." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the advice." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Was the window open?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered