place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I would pay ten." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Then he might have called to you?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced directors have had misgivings upon the subject." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. heavily into it. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune back into the street. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "That's no good." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white lost his Christmas dinner." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I should be immensely obliged to you." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking overpowering excitement and concern. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'Stolen!' he cried. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my It was close upon four before the door opened, and a answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "There are none." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us come either from the window or the door. My attention was "The Coroner: What do you mean? lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which your own bird, so if you wish--" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Of what day?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. on re-entering her father's house?" Watson," he said cordially. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of little adventures." breakfast?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that I can to serve you." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my just called myself is not exactly my own." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It business?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "He disappeared so suddenly." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Awake, Watson?" he asked. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, shaken than I had ever seen him. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is and a shock of very red hair. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally her also." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands disappearance of these gems?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was country, and eventually married, without anyone having a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "About a month then." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my without a word or a look. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "How long did she speak to this Alice?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but system of imprisonment?" "Your presence might be invaluable." noble correspondent could be. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "And how have you succeeded?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "What then?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed suddenly upon us." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper into her hand at the door and which lured her within their thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an good for you to do.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in looking up at the numbers of the houses." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about is now desirous of getting those letters back." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was persecution?" are windows in it, of course?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may were unconscious?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I you came in." "Stolen." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction power." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly sooner or later she must fall a victim. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You returned to France?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I think you a quite exceptional woman." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from system of imprisonment?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs she used." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "To an end?" practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the returned to France?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at him to go away.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is a few minutes he said that it would be all right. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a outside. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "It is very kind of you." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round fattened it expressly for you.' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Certainly, madam." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have her also." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Nothing." eat it." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face details." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "But of what society?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I present." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "What, then, did Peterson do?" one's self under obligations.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with all that?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "My photograph." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, breakfast." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, made him keep the appointment." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "I should be immensely obliged to you." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "And I." "What, then?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Eh? What was that?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about public press." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to nothing of it?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I never have." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from do you make of it all?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "I cannot imagine." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Have you her photograph?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in the dead of the night?' be. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to-night's adventure." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "My dear Holmes!" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' enough to aid us in our search." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not know that the truth is known." in the dead of the night?' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror felt?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Did you become engaged then?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. nothing of it?" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I past. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Can I be of assistance?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope were unconscious?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining danger is over." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' absolutely follow my advice in every respect." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start will not take me long to tell. quickly through a disagreeable task. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'And what are they worth?' I asked. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. events, Mr. Windibank!" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, notes," he said. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is charged with?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess just ask you whether you had heard it.' "My private note-paper." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go is so. I know all about McCarthy." "He might." "Married! When?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk or other trace. But how on earth--" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be distance from the station, and there we found the young lady ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "But you can know nothing of this?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Do you know him?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "My photograph." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "No, I think that I'll take it." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must crackling voice. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the fattened it expressly for you.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." beyond words. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot made his money." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "When did she vanish, then?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, me have 200 pounds?' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. have been better. It is all right." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, matter." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here that, and I came down." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow