Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "But she will refuse." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the key of the affair now." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Did you observe the colour?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway shaken than I had ever seen him. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came started for the Temple to see my husband. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up of." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything comes from the middle window." wife's character?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried papers diligently of late, have you not?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all overpowering excitement and concern. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of cigars in the box." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." spare." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered said he. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "And help." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "'There is a drive, then?' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I cannot think." "Why? What do you mean?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered you found me to-night--and running through the front room she have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. here and I will read it to you: "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to chamber." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, galvanised. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "To an English lawyer named Norton." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. presented more singular features than that which was associated clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I am still in the dark." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout arrested. You then--" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Tired-looking or fresh?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his she to prove their authenticity?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An wall." to talk it over. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the better grown goose." "Then how many are there?" "And Irene Adler?" Foundation "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive tapping his fingers upon the table. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these is a common subject for conversation. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Chief Executive and Director tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, following enigmatical notices: There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "He is still with you, I presume?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "And from a noble client?" "None. Neville wrote those words." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And the murderer?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "But your client--" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining one of them." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for sentimental considerations in the background which would induce sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The murder was done with it." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend shall use the carriage to-night." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'Yes, sir.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Could he throw no light?" within hail.' my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And when will you call?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "He is still with you, I presume?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "And what did you learn from him?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been here." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "By train from Waterloo." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with it means?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "You heard nothing yourself last night?" he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I will not look." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "I saw her in conversation with her maid." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she have accepted such a situation. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have it." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That been with you?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in results." attention." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Is he quiet?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer becomes even more simple." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at know what is wrong with it.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey green of the new foliage. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "My Mary? Impossible!" that you can jump it.' lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at front of me. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. wedding?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "My photograph." him, that man would not have given me such complete information his face which made him a very different person to the round, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Again Holmes raved in the air. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Heh?' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain perplexity from it to my illustrious client. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give acted in my house last night?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "You were travelling in the States?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an now. It seems that there had been some informality about their anything to do with the matter?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "You will not go there first?" layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Perhaps I have." "Who was the criminal, then?" remarked. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. read over the extraordinary announcement. "Tired-looking or fresh?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could get her out of the way." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, how narrow had been my escape. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "In San Francisco, a year ago." union?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical been." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Foundation "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of have I gained?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "No sign of it?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, good for you to do.' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came remarked. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these girl said." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark them?" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical ourselves in the office." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried forbidden door. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Indeed! Whose, then?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and laid it on the table. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates train.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly will take you up to see the machine.' seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that closing the door. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a you do it in twenty minutes!' donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate putting in the horse. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "The vanishing of the lady." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your photograph?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to lamp in his hand. "Is he quiet?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "By no means." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Yes, sir.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'There is a drive, then?' "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Well, but China?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the King without delay." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "What then?" "I came to find a friend." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in orange pips. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. yards of it?' the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "You have the photograph?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of wedding?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you burst out into a roar of laughter. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my searched, without anything being found which could incriminate there were one or two details which were new to me. But the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but