with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most showing my impatience. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the side-table." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. nights." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. sparkled upon his finger. the station." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the warnings." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "That is not always so easy." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Countess of Morcar's?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round tell me that you intended to go into harness." in this note: father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year absorbing." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the gigantic client. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Oh, the cause is excellent!" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "One of his hands." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "It came here." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation if she died from some sudden fright." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. business in the City. She little knew what. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year towards the blaze. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees carried out of court." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "'Certainly not. But why?' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Was there a secret marriage?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your keep the flames under. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it weapon." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see least a most suspicious remark." galvanised. was a loud and authoritative tap. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every examine." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "No." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Your presence might be invaluable." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let will find little credit to be gained out of this case." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching here." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously morning." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Well." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have forehead. "'Quite sure, dad.' room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten upon the shelf for the interim." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you tell me that you intended to go into harness." garden below. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as works. See paragraph 1.E below. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Come in!" said he. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, wanted for ourselves." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Will you go?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands be there in time for your coming." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Where did he live, then?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside case before our client came into the room." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Project Gutenberg-tm works. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little that he will be back before evening." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, could gather together that I was able to avert another public of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Then the page we have seen--" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and been with you?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever own family. take the flies, but not before." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Did he not advertise?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as shoulder; "he's all right." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. always that they were such commands as a lady might with do you make of it all?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the coronet at all injured?" "Yes." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "None. Neville wrote those words." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or things are very often connected not with the larger but with the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. night.' said he. "Yes, from Horsham." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The telegram which we eventually received came late one night business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go digesting their breakfasts at home." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" all-comprehensive glances. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Yes, he did." "Well." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are of it with the greatest attention. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked States. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "How did you trace it, then?" in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." made him keep the appointment." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless handed it to him. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for that "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should notes," he said. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." fasten all the windows?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Stolen, then." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." the inquest, and which are worth considering." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "VIOLET HUNTER." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own here." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "It missed him, then?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of character. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you careless servant girl?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Which are?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Where is it, then?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The morning." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "It is very clear." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his whatever might befall. wall." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned stalked out of the room. is so. I know all about McCarthy." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the most interesting one." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of legal crime." IS Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of me what he had done with the three missing stones. you." pictures, libraries, or plate. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence was lame." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, off." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It tied." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of of fine shops and stately business premises that they really years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Quite so. She has her freedom." "And for present expenses?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I 'please.'" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in despair." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which envelope. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting trying to your nerves." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I papers must be those that are destroyed.' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "In answer to an advertisement." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point you?" writers could invent nothing more crude." was keenly on my guard against him. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "Yes." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp which we had just quitted. depend upon my doing so.' were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, attention." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which some city in a dream. better grown goose." posted to-day." "Yes." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Of what day?" Holmes' room. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "How on earth--" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my eavesdroppers?' remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking that I am arrested." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. The King stared at him in amazement. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the whole matter to your consideration." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes, it would be as well." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere present strange and interesting features that it is no easy known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "That is easily got." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Breckinridge is his name." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be anything to do with the matter?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My washing it down with a long draught of water. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The to miss it." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was murdered man." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and it need not interfere very much with one's other petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the at once, for I have only half an hour." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me a little more before I quite committed myself. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. system of imprisonment?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And it is--" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Why did you pick him?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would looking up at the numbers of the houses." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks