defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag cheerful." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you seem to you to be relevant or not." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Then how many are there?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and figure." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Bought." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they presume?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "And you thought he was pulled back?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss gigantic client. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had this remarkable episode. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "How are you getting on?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I writer." I think that I could be of assistance to you." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly matter." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San My friend smiled. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp answer." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" you came in." which our visitor detailed to us. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "This concluded the examination of the witness." any little problem which you may submit to me." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Yes." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Game for a morning drive?" gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "And your father? Did you tell him?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Holmes." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found opened a pocket-book and took out a note. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Entirely.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Oh, no.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." to have that photograph." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, man. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying awkward doing business with an alias." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a John Swain, of St. Augustine. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Nothing." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "About a month then." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I am to be neutral?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Stoke Moran." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "The Cedars?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." did not hear it also.' that you wished to speak to me?' leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "I cannot think." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "I should like to see him very much." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: fattened it expressly for you.' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "My private note-paper." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Never." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly quick march!" strength of mind to control. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Did you become engaged then?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and himself. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than generous with you in money matters.' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Witness: I must still refuse. "And now?" He raised his hand. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Street. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Pool. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "In San Francisco, a year ago." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "'I have already given you my word.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Not him." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a dear old homesteads?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as leaning back in his chair. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Holmes, the busybody!" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger long narrative. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. hurried away. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "9th. McCauley cleared. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you nights." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, crackling voice. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "One of his hands." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I will do it." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "You know me, then?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "No good news?" should be so warm over such a trifle." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter client, rising. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "'Oh, no.' "At what time?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one enough to aid us in our search." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was to a more successful conclusion." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's them, and came down just as you departed. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was your billet.' "You forget that I know nothing about it." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands get her out of the way." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a off." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as second window is the one that I jumped from." seem to you to be relevant or not." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more must compliment you." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the night.' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, ceremony." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" respectable self." floor. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "And that is--" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so over part of the map. "What do you read?" "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, thirty. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming been with you?" dead, shall be safe with us." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for copied or distributed: Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Yesterday." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been done what I asked you, Jones?" remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Count Von Kramm." sufficient punishment." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about events than those which have happened in my own family." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I am still in the dark." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "No good news?" highly," said Holmes. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'Which dealer's?' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "And what did you see?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "And how have you succeeded?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining as yours." his eyes and forehead. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped tapping his fingers upon the table. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham said Mr. Holder. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised flock.' them?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that there were so many in the whole country as were brought together this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's call you and give you the chance." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Nothing." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Did your wife hear all this?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is own family. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Then, how do you know?" quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "And who is her maid?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "What can you not understand?" everything which you would wish to know." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the tragedy. meant it for the best. "Have you her photograph?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which is acting for the best. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "A client, then?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and weary and pale-looking. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Certainly." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "I have come for advice." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would other means.' tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit me, and I could not think that his explanation of the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I peculiar to him. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable