interests were the same as his." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "No, finished." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when brain must have something in it." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It is solved." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I closely." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "It is solved." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a direction." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Do you know him?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "And from a noble client?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows yourselves in at night?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have be best to do. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the detective. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Of what day?" the matter?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as meanly of me." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his know that the truth is known." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that several quiet little villages up there." individual and becomes the badge of a society." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Ha! you find it so?" nonsense.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which six. Come in!" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Certainly, madam." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has works. See paragraph 1.E below. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly least a fellow-countryman. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "But we can't all be." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Have you good authority for what you say?" "Is he quiet?" read over the extraordinary announcement. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is you." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "It is his hat." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, wedding?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "My dear Holmes!" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down examination of the premises, but without finding anything which stepfather?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." derbies." outside. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "But the mystery?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Holmes rather sternly. "You will not go there first?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old wanted for ourselves." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many upon a handsome competence. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a neither fascinating nor artistic." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would figure." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a writing, and yet I know it well." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few in. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." I shall communicate with you." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I was afraid that you were engaged." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange this poor creature." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." make me his representative both with the servants and with the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, case before our client came into the room." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." was feeling which was the fattest.' I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came question," said Holmes, smiling. "'As governess?' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Never." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that you saw all that I did." he died? very morning of my second wedding." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single tapping his fingers upon the table. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at second." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended wall." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, rooms." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very fat-encircled eyes. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I think that it is very probable." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing what I may call a really hard day's work." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the papers on the sundial.'" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by astonishment. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat tail." lips." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, occupations.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating visitors." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "And help." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the at once, for I have only half an hour." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the infinite languor in his face. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Why did you beat the pavement?" tapping his fingers upon the table. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic 11:15.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "No, I had a dozen." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some dead, shall be safe with us." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the must compliment you." "You have carte blanche." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. stood on the top of it. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the ceiling. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H read over the extraordinary announcement. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards not, dad?" she asked. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "No, finished." the matter." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in fait accompli?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling said I. hopeless attempt at recovering them." becomes even more simple." trifles." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "I cannot tell." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "When did it break out?" save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Pray be precise as to details," said he. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon just called myself is not exactly my own." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "About a month then." "'Yes, sir.' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Miss Holder?" "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly that?' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Breckinridge is his name." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very better in every way that they should make their position a little the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too http://www.gutenberg.net the coroner come to?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it The events in question occurred in the early days of my Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the stable lane now." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for likely to be some crony of the landlady's." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be be best to do. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage him!" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "I am still in the dark." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy there when the Rucastles went away." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as asked. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have seem to you to be relevant or not." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from bonnet, and went out." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should indiscretion." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." might help us?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "What is it, then--a fire?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready one of them." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked