pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found burst out into a roar of laughter. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Certainly." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite remarked. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it himself to hunt down. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Project Gutenberg-tm works. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "By train from Waterloo." trifles." returning from some small jollification and was making his way line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door my room." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little call the police, let the police find what they can.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all horse could go." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Whose house is it?" habit of advancing money.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I a room. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked prison!" "It missed him, then?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "But his lameness?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "What of the rat, then?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which call it cruel." his wife has ceased to love him." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Yes, sir.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "It is a murder, then?" him nearly every evening." before the coroner and the police-court." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she delirious. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "I cannot say that I have." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot your troubles." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this himself. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the stones. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder with her." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, before the coroner and the police-court." directors, with the result that you have seen." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Yes." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was in my life." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and wait." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "How many? I don't know." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small nonsense.' before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from photograph a cabinet?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Ample.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Certainly." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "And you thought he was pulled back?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to pity, because in other respects you would really have done very where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has papers must be those that are destroyed.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Ten will be early enough." nonsense.' screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that salesman. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'What then?' I asked. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office which we had just quitted. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Why that?' I asks. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them said he. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it views." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was may never be exposed to such a temptation." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm this unhappy family?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "I have a cab outside." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon might help us?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "That sounds a little paradoxical." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and was it brought him the coronet? glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first light and attacked it." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and such attractions and accomplishments?' "Yes, sir." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of is a common subject for conversation. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California as he folded up the epistle. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "What! a murderous attack?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" heavy and sharp instrument." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a was already answered. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and October 9, 1890. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on tell me that you intended to go into harness." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a room had already been engaged for us. the south-west, I see." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the inquest, and which are worth considering." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Game for a morning drive?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "What then?" "But it has twice been burgled." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case I nodded again. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which him." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I am not easy in my mind about them." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Yes, I have one waiting." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Yes." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Yes." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and public press." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an lamp. "My opinion is in no way altered." arrangements." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Absolutely?" depend upon your compliance." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I will get her to show me." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of tear off another piece?' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. gigantic client. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "You think so, too?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes to change my dress. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Which are?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "But how?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'I have already given you my word.' "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which over his head with a sweet womanly caress. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "This photograph!" prison!" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a do you make of it all?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay be.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest http://gutenberg.net/license). matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever your sleep?' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just crowd. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "But you have hopes?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and chance at all." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for know what is wrong with it.' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'Yes.' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of Mr. Rucastle's." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. opened the door, and slipped through. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered which I could not give. He asked for Alice. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." ventilator." "Of what day?" shall use the carriage to-night." from the brougham. manager. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Project Gutenberg-tm works. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Serpentine Avenue. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "No. What a strange idea!" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the King without delay." of Mr. Rucastle's." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should into the bag, and made for the door. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the morning and make my own way in the world.' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. showing my impatience. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of the one which your family is now devouring." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase problems help me to do so." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her