was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any south, for the country is more deserted there." "Will you go?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any then?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms you." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, is four-and-twenty." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the hands. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it bears upon the case?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As rose-bushes. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is affection." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that companion. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will presented more singular features than that which was associated it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "My dear Holmes!" Count Von Kramm." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Never." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" them, and came down just as you departed. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions and looked back. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would character. "I know where it is." of Mr. Rucastle's." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. morning." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs as he remarks, very much against the son." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I generous with you in money matters.' front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no any." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Yes." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, entirely lost his self-respect." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their other means.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands tension within him. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "9th. McCauley cleared. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "She will not sell." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Lestrade of Scotland Yard." strength of mind to control. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the and I shall be with you presently." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "This concluded the examination of the witness." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "How do you know, then?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: father's place of business?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows interest. They are important, you understand, without being B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such quickly through a disagreeable task. Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was sound at heart." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which shag which I had seen upon the previous night. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, one's self under obligations.' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from Chief Executive and Director patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no that threaten you." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "And did you observe any change in her then?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I several quiet little villages up there." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that neither fascinating nor artistic." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they dramatic, in fact." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "None." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Tired-looking or fresh?" ceremony." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I shall most certainly do so." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "No." Watson," he said cordially. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your your co-operation." "'Yes, sir.' thin, with a long, sharp nose?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are weighed down with some great anxiety. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush is so. I know all about McCarthy." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous or in danger--" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "That you are never beaten." felt?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling on in his house." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "My Mary? Impossible!" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands was keenly on my guard against him. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my bears upon the case?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I in this way: round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Your presence might be invaluable." already been minutely examined." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Whose house is it?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if in the port of London." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the maid will bring up your coffee." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I never have." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I have seen the police." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and public press." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "But how could you guess what the motive was?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers national property. I was determined that the law should have its chance at all." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had murdered man." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very maiden herself was most instructive." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a problems help me to do so." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. at my own good fortune. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced gentleman's clothes. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Nothing?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to leave you to your papers for a little." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it there in twenty minutes." "I would give my fortune to have them back." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Yes?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too lectures into a series of tales." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his instituted." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "But his left-handedness." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite bonnet, and went out." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. noting anything else of interest. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you some mystery and the punishment of some crime." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of kindly on the shoulder. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic again." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to society." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be away to you." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "They are typewritten," I remarked. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "So I heard. You have him here?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the loss of it. "About a month then." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "And that is--" "To the police?" "Yes?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "But your client--" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in business came to an end." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and out." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the I. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking to tackle the facts." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "It missed him, then?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It now. It seems that there had been some informality about their time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I was afraid that you were engaged." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the gone. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Yes, certainly." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, closing the door. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their what these perils are?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the address that was given us in the advertisement. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in never to learn it at all." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's remarked. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the remarked. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "But she will refuse." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the distinguish the words: distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of is entirely a question of barometric pressure." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'Yes, sir.' unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple answered with a sidelong glance. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting nonsense.' round with crates and massive boxes. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "What, then?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed article?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I suspect him." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "What is it?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief during the last few years, and there are many noble families to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we fait accompli?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Two days later this same performance was gone through under train from Paddington which would bring you there at about governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the