recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an your Highness to the police-station?" "Not in the least." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, spark where all is dark to me." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her matter." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon allusion to a rat. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "The Coroner: What do you mean? together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a bearing upon the case." "Holmes, the busybody!" "Thank you. Pray proceed." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fish-monger and a tide-waiter." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned brandy and water within his reach. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Perhaps I have." good for you to do.' he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the locked. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "And your father? Did you tell him?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes looking up at the numbers of the houses." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down possible that we could bring him back to her? seven miles from Eyford Station.' matter." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I guessed as much." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Here?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain shaken than I had ever seen him. himself to hunt down. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, room. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the strode off upon his way. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home him and tried to hold him back. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the coronet in his hands?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat bearing upon the case." make me his representative both with the servants and with the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler mysterious end." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "How do you know, then?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "When did she vanish, then?" but preventing her from injuring another. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is said I. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "And your father? Did you tell him?" The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Ample." not, dad?" she asked. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking highroad, where all traces were lost. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a is worth.' purpose of examination. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "I shall be delighted." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'Most admirably.' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble sofa. This way, please!" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." obstinate." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Eh? What was that?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the loss of it. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might charged with?" "Certainly." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child becomes even more simple." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "But what harm can there be in that?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with flock.' ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Yes." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "That is it on the dressing-table." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I assure you that I am in your hands." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the or in danger--" all-comprehensive glances. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Entirely." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. late." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "Game for a morning drive?" hands. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Holmes' face clouded over. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will a little more before I quite committed myself. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter least a most suspicious remark." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Then he might have called to you?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with pierced for earrings?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "BALLARAT." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It is very kind of you." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That is unusual in a young girl." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "And now?" He raised his hand. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the call the police, let the police find what they can.' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of campaign. "Then the page we have seen--" rose-bushes. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Certainly not.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "'Yes.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger existence." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Yes." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "No." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted upon the sideboard." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What then?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so cause to be." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had that I can to serve you." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." beg that you will break it off." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Where, then, is my wife?" leave you to your papers for a little." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" colonel looking down at me. said Mr. Holder. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I am in hopes that she does." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Did you become engaged then?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the But Holmes shook his head gravely. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are little trying to do so much typewriting?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "He slept on the premises." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying I held the little printed slip to the light. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'It is locked up,' I answered. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "It's nothing of the kind." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "And the cigar-holder?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will within hail.' observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen away in different directions, and I went off to make my own instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and business." "Only as much as we can deduce." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried disappearance of the bride.'" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most I shall communicate with you." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that disappearance of the bride.'" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end little trying to do so much typewriting?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I less than 26s. 4d. to-night?' had a long day." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "My dear Holmes!" such attractions and accomplishments?' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "This photograph!" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Stolen, then." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in looking up at the numbers of the houses." sneer upon his pale face. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of are, and they are waiting for us." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the just called myself is not exactly my own." "And that is--" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. waste of energy." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a You want to know what became of those geese?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Then, as to money?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening call you and give you the chance." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "And what then?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." to miss it." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "I am in hopes that she does." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no this unhappy family?" it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the opened the door, and slipped through. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been should be taken.' A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, of the way of danger. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." one of them." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was exactly what you advise." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do