money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project bed dies. Does not that strike you?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Then what has happened to him?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have go--none." how narrow had been my escape. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the address that was given us in the advertisement. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an presented which may be striking and bizarre without being breakfast." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "I see many objections to any such theory." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have done what I asked you, Jones?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were here." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where careless servant girl?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and call the police, let the police find what they can.' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I came to find a friend." "Thank you. And your address?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the walking." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "What I expected to see." The King stared at him in amazement. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these words came to my lips. Sutherland. events, Mr. Windibank!" back alive. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped will take you up to see the machine.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Yes." "Certainly, madam." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own writing, and yet I know it well." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." tear off another piece?' to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his enough to aid us in our search." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran my friend's incisive reasoning. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered sofa. This way, please!" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing said I. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I will, Miss Turner." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What of the rat, then?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "You were travelling in the States?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had investigation." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the open." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had crackling voice. there when the Rucastles went away." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the devil!" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "If I can be of use." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is disappearance of the bride.'" upon the white wrist. exactly what you advise." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "You horrify me!" strength of mind to control. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester time." "Nearly eleven." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever have accepted such a situation. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Why, what do you mean?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with system of imprisonment?" outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" even so self-evident a thing as that." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the think you a quite exceptional woman." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments wall." was shining brightly. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between assist you in forming an opinion." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Absolutely?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as amused." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the best of training." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he works. See paragraph 1.E below. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That case before our client came into the room." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "But how?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Then the page we have seen--" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "What then?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "You did not overhear what they said?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' such attractions and accomplishments?' "What, then, did Peterson do?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Ten will be early enough." them?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And I to find an enemy." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "None." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I think it very unlikely." did not hear it also.' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long coat-tails." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I cannot imagine." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned case before our client came into the room." started for the Temple to see my husband. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "At what time?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "He is dead," cried several voices. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "That is not always so easy." "And I say east," said my patient. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "But of what society?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Of Friday, June 19th." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect noise which awoke you from your sleep?" all that?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We them, and came down just as you departed. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "But she could not love him." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "I am still in the dark." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "None. Neville wrote those words." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "None." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which 'I should be able to look after that for you.' went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, not personally threatened." "Was she in good spirits?" the coroner come to?" putting in the horse. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "And who is her maid?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon a suggestive one." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even crowd. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Certainly not. But why?' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'And the work?' Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and upon the sideboard." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I came to find a friend." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the side-table." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I this unhappy family?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you upon the shelf for the interim." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and My friend smiled. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way any." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." posted to-day." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "I am following you closely," I answered. me. You must get home instantly and act." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are whether it answered to the description of any of their "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Street. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm questionable one." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am than was visible to me." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle obstinate." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted character. into the bag, and made for the door. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "And what did you see?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "The Coroner: What do you mean? promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor tension within him. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' your sleep?' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the again, where I was soon asleep. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Miss Holder?" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy The events in question occurred in the early days of my "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain good-night and bustled off upon her way. "A greater distance to travel." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. nonsense.' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "But he might be a bachelor." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at our word." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "What then?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge again before evening." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Ample." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of lost nothing by them." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her had a long day." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days kind enough to tell me what I should do." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Not I." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little