paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock him to be an active member of the medical profession." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to tell." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "But you have hopes?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "No, finished." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down least a fellow-countryman. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the with some details as to your case." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." forecastle of an emigrant ship. works. See paragraph 1.E below. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a south, for the country is more deserted there." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper you give your casting vote to?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "And how did you verify them?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband coroner's jury." nonsense.' overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler American. Then who could this American be, and why should he though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first letters?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the empty. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Pray let us have it, for all that." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be leave you to your papers for a little." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange indiscretion." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "But how?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Then I can wait in the next room." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "What! You do not mean bodies?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "And leave your case unfinished?" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, leave you to your papers for a little." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "What! Had he lost his wife?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Who was the criminal, then?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Now, then, what's the last entry?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging bed dies. Does not that strike you?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "A greater distance to travel." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the friends, not even his own brother. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out as noiselessly as she had come. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "It must be recovered." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp me upon any point which I do not make clear." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong you?" "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and read it out to me." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save evidence," I remarked. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town I was concerned in it." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you hopeless attempt at recovering them." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a astonishment. happened." man. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed mysterious end." your bag." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such father's place of business?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he purpose equally well?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Did he not advertise?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "'Entirely.' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "BALLARAT." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" it." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the gbnewby@pglaf.org "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the made him keep the appointment." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges charge against him will break down." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Has he come with you to-night?" "'And the work?' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "How did you trace it, then?" "How about poison?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets congenial hunt. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his questioning and rather startled gaze. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, are, and they are waiting for us." shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon least a fellow-countryman. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project through." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "You have the photograph?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple down from London to inquire more deeply into it." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was open." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "And how in the world did you find them?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it II. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "And from a noble client?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare and laid it on the table. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the newspaper selections." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I my former friend and companion. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to that?' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Why, what do you mean?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "To the police?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "My dear Holmes!" "I am armed." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "But what will you do?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this thin, with a long, sharp nose?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the unprofitable." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Miss Holder?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of foresight and the moral retrogression?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It was an hour's good drive." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I have my revolver," said I. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the room while you explain this matter?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is DISSOLVED. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I was concerned in it." here and I will read it to you: might have a private word with us. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens come either from the window or the door. My attention was "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I have a cab outside." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Sholtos." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he one's self under obligations.' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird strength of mind to control. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, was feeling which was the fattest.' nothing of it?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I do." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this was the fact that his father should, according to his account, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. persecution?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Always." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from gone. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do emerged. occupations.' and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all papers." as he folded up the epistle. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had you." "'Is purely nominal.' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, tapping his fingers upon the table. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which there!' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "No." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Yes, certainly." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared any." up this clue while it is still hot." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day visitors." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "'I have already given you my word.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of said I. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than results." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at crackling voice. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a directors have had misgivings upon the subject." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the true." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the written. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "I will try. What is it?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not out." felt?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "No legal papers or certificates?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence unclasping of his long thin hands. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat in this way: as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Yes, it was gone.' shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to me have 200 pounds?' or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, the night.' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And now?" I asked. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "What then?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and charged with?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "What then?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "No, but the enclosure is." "Precisely." has little to do with my story." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Dark enough and sinister enough." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any this unhappy family?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing presented more singular features than that which was associated What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small remarked. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he address. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east correct than the official force." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you said he. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I relief. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and carried out of court." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged meant it for the best. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern,