the so-precious time, but come!' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Not in the least." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we existence." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, was already answered. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "And how did he make his money?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' were unconscious?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'Very good.' and all of them with the keenest interest. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress national property. I was determined that the law should have its going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "But to whom?" concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. said I. "Nearly eleven." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "'What do you call purely nominal?' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving business matters.' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "If so, much may have happened between." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your excitement. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "By no means." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the infinite languor in his face. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, infinite languor in his face. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see invisible to me," I remarked. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, existence." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "How did that help you?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Entirely." in him." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! away into the river." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "None." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. minor matters until to-morrow." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of ashen face. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "In answer to an advertisement." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." if I call to-morrow?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and inquire as to the address." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business purpose equally well?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'Which dealer's?' "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds said I. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Were they all fastened this morning?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been directors, with the result that you have seen." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'What are you doing there?' he asked. article?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "My dear Holmes!" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of became a certainty. "'Entirely.' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could searched, without anything being found which could incriminate assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "He disappeared so suddenly." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be she used." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "It is possible." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "It is a murder, then?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Not him." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will distance from the station, and there we found the young lady that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from peculiar to him. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "What?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news really the only notable feature about the thing." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all of." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, of receipt of the work. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Yes." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Then the page we have seen--" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My in this note: conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "Were they all fastened this morning?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, me upon any point which I do not make clear." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and about. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "What then?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There do." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his lumber-room." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'Most admirably.' "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived intrusion of other matters." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "But you were on a friendly footing?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been words came to my lips. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "How did you deduce the select?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook returning from some small jollification and was making his way situation." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business be. "I know where it is." see me here to avoid scandal." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the address that was given us in the advertisement. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "It is possible." They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "One?" "What! a murderous attack?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know not come at once?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Here?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" which our visitor detailed to us. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black crackling voice. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and leaning back in his chair. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards October 9, 1890. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "It is no ordinary one." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" stepfather?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "Yes, that is the Crown." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Where to?' matter." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in DAMAGE. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I beg pardon." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even his fortune, and I went back to pa. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "One of his hands." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the newspaper selections." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me bears upon the case?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a article?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his the morning and make my own way in the world.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a I held the little printed slip to the light. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. here." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? approach us with offers to donate. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Project Gutenberg-tm works. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with said I. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a it means?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." prison!" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in directly by questioning you." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "A greater distance to travel." "Very murderous indeed." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "What steps will you take?" I asked. business." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed reach." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are awkward doing business with an alias." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "To an end?" one's self under obligations.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a pictures, libraries, or plate. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that that you wished to speak to me?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Come in!" said he. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in the dead of the night?' this Miss Turner." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the matter?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and it need not interfere very much with one's other you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and interested in these little problems, and since you are good was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch questionable one." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Literary Archive Foundation feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal whole matter to your consideration." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Which are?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Stolen." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of which are rolled in Rotterdam." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Well, it is a possible supposition." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to think, you have already met." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for McCarthy." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which minor matters until to-morrow." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar said he. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian chemical work which was so dear to him. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'Is purely nominal.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly wife's character?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing good for you to do.' already referred to. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." taking in every detail of the apartment. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. beyond words. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I cannot say that I have." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I