benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "No. What a strange idea!" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step III. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to way: directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." gigantic client. him to go away.' their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, ago." I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the American. Then who could this American be, and why should he waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. was a lad." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently colour had been driven from his face. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the quick march!" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "ARAT," I read. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely visitors." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as were new raised from a basin. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "No, I am descending." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little searched, without anything being found which could incriminate governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "None." business." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "If so, much may have happened between." outsides of the windows. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do spare." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Well?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then too. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the looking up at the numbers of the houses." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'What, the red-headed man?' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Yes." washing it down with a long draught of water. "'Certainly not.' visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it telegram would bring me down to your help." "One of the highest in England." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or answered with a sidelong glance. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your wall." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish companion. desk. quickly through a disagreeable task. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "And from a noble client?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the night.' the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad and a shock of very red hair. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his think that any burglar could have done. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Your French gold?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, dear old homesteads?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and all of them with the keenest interest. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing which our visitor detailed to us. "I am following you closely," I answered. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. which are rolled in Rotterdam." views." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more I have it here in my museum." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I of the vacancies.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they know that the truth is known." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her him. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband I held the little printed slip to the light. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and annoyance, but no jest. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Well." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a overpowering excitement and concern. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "But who is he?" Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door intimate personal affairs in this public manner." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I assure you that I am in your hands." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Lestrade of Scotland Yard." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already do.' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "What can it mean?" I gasped. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Doctor, of the paper and the date." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every could not account in any way for the presence of the missing hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and trifles." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." already referred to. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" works. "It's nothing of the kind." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door delirious. appeal." again on its way. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Then, how do you know?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I it with his own hands." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten one which it was hard to resist. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Never." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to did not hear it also.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as do you make of it all?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit for securing the situation." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Dr. Gregory B. Newby my special province." nonsense.' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may will find little credit to be gained out of this case." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I cannot think." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the very morning of the wedding." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of definite end. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how out of this horrible affair." he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "But the mystery?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns geese which you supplied to the Alpha." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "And Irene Adler?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "I guessed as much." you in yours." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such already been minutely examined." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the closing the door. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Yes, sir." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing more terrible than the truth. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "'Which dealer's?' Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when shoulder; "he's all right." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to leave you to your papers for a little." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the recover the gem." "I say it is." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the cigar and let me expound." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to tension within him. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen seen the man in the road." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "He disappeared so suddenly." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Where did you address your letters, then?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush beg that you will break it off." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "There are none." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that examine." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Did he not advertise?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Nothing?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat absorbing." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. might help us?" one of the states of the Union." gone. the coronet at all injured?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies all?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a families. Now for the facts. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "That was it, sir." definite end. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all was keenly on my guard against him. "I will do it." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a tail." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where photograph?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey do.' which I could not give. He asked for Alice. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of in one or two places in England?' "And you thought he was pulled back?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you that?' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Where did you address your letters, then?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "This photograph!" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in if I call to-morrow?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a conceal it?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she where we are going." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. nothing with him." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the again, where I was soon asleep. asked. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'Is purely nominal.' "I shall most certainly do so." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily unkempt, staring out at me. are windows in it, of course?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Eyford." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need