"A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I came to find a friend." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Not at all. I only doubt--' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the salesman. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any key turn in the lock." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "And that is--" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to to tell." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Yes." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, salesman. "This photograph!" "I do." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one and effective." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "To ruin me." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but newspaper selections." to Leatherhead. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "The knees of his trousers." other lovers by making love himself." "It is very kind of you." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must narrative." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "That is it on the dressing-table." off." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me sit on the left-hand side of the driver." business in the City. She little knew what. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "I am in hopes that she does." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is there in twenty minutes." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates delighted to hear it," he said. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other copied or distributed: gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "I will try. What is it?" "Not I." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when there!' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I both be extremely obliged.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself of Mr. Rucastle's." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "My dear Holmes!" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and me where it went to?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." beyond words. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to me. You must get home instantly and act." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards papers on the sundial.'" confronted him. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he some city in a dream. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." this remarkable episode. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our I. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "If so, much may have happened between." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell one of them." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Countess of Morcar's?" "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'Oh, no.' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there confronted him. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up in a friendly supper." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "But he might be a bachelor." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the Red-headed League." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is forebodings. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist long narrative. "Why did you beat the pavement?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Certainly, madam." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw me." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Not him." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And how?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," ashen face. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I think it very unlikely." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he depend upon your compliance." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "If I can be of use." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in client, rising. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I with her." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when look upon these things in a different way." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon redistribution. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common in a very precise fashion." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and tell them apart.' "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his observed. a good hundred miles off by now." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way definite end. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that what I may call a really hard day's work." "Precisely." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "No." tail." crowd. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and with you?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the devil!" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old think that he is innocent?" deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, furiously. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Never." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very with her." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar returning from some small jollification and was making his way favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear sufficient punishment." to tell." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'I have already given you my word.' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal I held the little printed slip to the light. "I never have." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "But you were on a friendly footing?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal this man was intellectual?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "'Ten to two.' answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss and no precautions can guard against." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Come in!" said he. Foundation "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Stoke Moran." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Does that suggest anything?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "How did you deduce the select?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I was feeling which was the fattest.' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Then, how do you know?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any had died away into the silence from which it rose. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch to go into your room and bar your shutters?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a formed some opinion?" conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "You saw the ventilator, too?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging bird I ate is country bred." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "No, but the enclosure is." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards undoubtedly my uncle's." to tackle the facts." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a instituted." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "No good news?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Why serious?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came The King stared at him in amazement. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a appointment with me for six o'clock?" eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that, and I came down." spark where all is dark to me." to a light-house. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "In heaven's name, what for?" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just wedding?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. suspect him." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good letters?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "You have it, sir, just as it happened." forecastle of an emigrant ship. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & details should find their way into the papers. Inspector upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Why, what do you mean?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew