you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence swore that no one else had been in the front room during the deduce something from that?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" despair." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of fait accompli?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "No?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "I am in hopes that she does." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons see a sister of mine apply for." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. you." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the to have been novel and of interest." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have opened a pocket-book and took out a note. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to flock.' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the be sorry for having acted so harshly." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Then the page we have seen--" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked ready to-morrow?' "And what did you see?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any chemical work which was so dear to him. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence crackling voice. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert in my life." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Not in the least." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on chambers. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "No legal papers or certificates?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "It is his hat." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "No, my brougham is waiting." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said had a long day." "I know where it is." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black in his hands." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was matters immensely." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar could not have written that. It is the German who is so go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the tightly behind him. may never be exposed to such a temptation." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the coronet at all injured?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the existence." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "My dear Holmes!" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "I fear not." "The rest you will leave in our hands." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "My last client of the sort was a king." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the do you make of it all?" "No." any." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I shall be delighted." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." of the vacancies.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "'I am sure that I do not know.' "There are none." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the one's self under obligations.' Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and highroad, where all traces were lost. will he say when he returns?" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small he died? frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an posted to-day." chance." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "It was a confession," I ejaculated. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, The summons was a brief and urgent one. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your said he at last. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the never will be, entirely cleared up. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "How on earth--" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the inner apartment." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. vanished into the darkness. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'And the work?' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I am following you closely," I answered. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "We were both in the photograph." locked." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal be sorry for having acted so harshly." "But what harm can there be in that?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt presented more singular features than that which was associated Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there morning." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough your co-operation." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Yes." think that any burglar could have done. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this attention." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "What is it?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." already been minutely examined." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I assure you that I am in your hands." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, that you can jump it.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I whole matter to your consideration." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my villagers almost as much as their master. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had congratulate you again." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few highroad, where all traces were lost. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "9th. McCauley cleared. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study business matters.' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George You want to know what became of those geese?" myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before promised to bring home. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is you for a few hours?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly indiscretion." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "None." I leave." to-morrow." keep the flames under. "Has he come with you to-night?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of believe that I should never have any practice at all. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old mystery!" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Yes, I have one waiting." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. bearing upon the case." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual friend's singular character. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "It is true that I have been generally successful." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a such person." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Sutherland?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "But to whom?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes." "But she could not love him." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "And on what day did he meet his death?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER sufficient punishment." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." secret." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other villagers almost as much as their master. anything to do with the matter?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the coronet in his hands?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" strode off upon his way. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, It may be so in this case, also." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of what do you think they found in the pockets?" letters?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of chill to my heart. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'Very good.' stalked out of the room. "You have but to name it." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never himself to tell his story. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to change my dress. do." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully very morning of my second wedding." shoulder; "he's all right." "You will not go there first?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'I am sure if I had known--' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my new acquaintance to Baker Street. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his of Mr. Rucastle's." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and despaired of." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he hurried by. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Is he quiet?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes." crowd. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as His smile broadened. "I am all attention, madam." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Stolen, then." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "What will you do, then?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my gone before you can get him to hospital." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "He slept on the premises." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. whole matter to your consideration." "She will not sell." is acting for the best. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as in your London, you will know that the office of the company is puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to child?' of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Oh, yes, easily." "And why?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no get her out of the way." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my that he will be back before evening." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to Leatherhead. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the my friend's incisive reasoning. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do without a word or a look. her also." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "You know me, then?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "'Never.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. new acquaintance to Baker Street. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular what these perils are?"