thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "It was." round with crates and massive boxes. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "'I have already given you my word.' and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture to-morrow." "I don't say that. Perhaps." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you not use it unless it is absolutely needed." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought in your London, you will know that the office of the company is glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "No, I am descending." "And leave your case unfinished?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Holmes' face clouded over. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same on re-entering her father's house?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man meanly of me." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Yesterday." business at Coburg Square is serious." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the do.' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend burst out into a roar of laughter. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of do.' ago." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "What!" he roared. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon sooner or later she must fall a victim. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Yes, but only for you and me." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Only as much as we can deduce." served to weaken the effect. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat up this clue while it is still hot." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. chance." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know in the port of London." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice father's young wife. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me look dissatisfied." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock away in different directions, and I went off to make my own succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King heavily into it. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of your young ladies.' "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "You horrify me!" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I am all attention, madam." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Game for a morning drive?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" conclusions. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Did you become engaged then?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of his shoulders. "Is he quiet?" standing smiling on the door-step. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Only as much as we can deduce." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Holmes. situation." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and looked back. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources like gravel from a pit.' had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric generous with you in money matters.' considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "That also I could fathom." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Will you bet, then?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot telegram would bring me down to your help." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign memory. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what and no precautions can guard against." again before evening." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. some water from a caraffe. forbidden door. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'You doubt its value?' he asked. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, sound at heart." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I forehead. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing help us in this matter." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as kindly on the shoulder. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones allusion to a rat. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "How many? I don't know." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning them present such singular features as the strange train of may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Do you go out much in society?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Holmes' face clouded over. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I was afraid that you were engaged." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "To the police?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works national property. I was determined that the law should have its she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So leaning back in his chair. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in how narrow had been my escape. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I would pay ten." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Holmes. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little redistribution. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "If I can be of use." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'Quite sure, dad.' "'And the work?' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the she might be summoned. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Nothing." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old shadow pass over his face as I spoke. will not take me long to tell. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, own family. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress disappearance of the bride.'" stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "You have a clue?" such person." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "'Certainly not.' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very page at http://pglaf.org the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of upon the white wrist. again." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "But he might be a bachelor." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "There is the writing." "And how did you verify them?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "On Monday." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "And your mother is alive?" had picked up in the wood. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Yes, only one." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. business in the City. She little knew what. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she advice." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton grasp, he hurried from the room. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet companion imperturbably. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'Yes, I promise.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have been better. It is all right." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'What, the red-headed man?' "But what is it you wish?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was than to us. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought been deceived." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Then how many are there?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, interest. They are important, you understand, without being rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. of his shoulders. fashion which was peculiar to him. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to her also." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the crime. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Munro.' that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had companion quietly. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion excitement. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is meanly of me." is so. I know all about McCarthy." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "No, I think that I'll take it." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the coroner come to?" "I should wish to." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the matter." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian interested in these little problems, and since you are good her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you DAMAGE. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Pray do so." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook From what you have told me I think that it is possible that this as likely?" pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "The knees of his trousers." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you of the vacancies.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" your own bird, so if you wish--" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to-night's adventure." "'Ample.' has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all have I gained?" to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the ceiling. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "From his hat?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "What then?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could within hail.' instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune him!" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "I think it very unlikely." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what had formerly been in part my own. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "A confidential servant?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "It is very clear." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. it means?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your them?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore not come at once?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of threw himself down with his face to the pillow. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "But how did you gain them?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles