"Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." McCarthy." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Then I am your man." and the whole place is in a blaze." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in are, I think, all that we need." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "But I am all in the dark." danger is over." "Well." "And Miss Sutherland?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the indiscretion." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few quickly through a disagreeable task. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must burst into a hearty fit of laughter. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in weapon." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of meant." "And the cigar-holder?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman have had none more fantastic than this." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, intrusion of other matters." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "No sign of it?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered train.' 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "But how?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I have hopes." felt?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Here?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "No, I think that I'll take it." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "But not more so than I to find you." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly a few minutes he said that it would be all right. vault. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "And now?" I asked. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But nothing with him." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with narrative." "Why serious?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "That is it on the dressing-table." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Which are?" "One of the highest in England." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I cannot as yet see any connection." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it round and wave him away like that.' afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no quick march!" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a is a common subject for conversation. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. joking. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he charge against him will break down." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "But you can know nothing of this?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I say that I have solved it." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while had no one to advise her at such a crisis." an introduction to him?" "Yes, from Horsham." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Where, indeed?" "How about poison?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. than was visible to me." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' during that time.' "She walked into the breakfast-room." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And what then?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Do you know him?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Tired-looking or fresh?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. hard-headed British jury." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "And how did you verify them?" jewels which you have stolen?' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "When did it break out?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are chamber." not come at once?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties it with his own hands." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would his fortune, and I went back to pa. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "I have hopes." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that fasten all the windows?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I room?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to lectures into a series of tales." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the side-table." "Dirty?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about keep the flames under. important." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the running down." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to-night?" I asked. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective best detective that ever lived. "And you don't know his address?" refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, he bowed and left the room without another word. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "To ruin me." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "What of the rat, then?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes." "My opinion is in no way altered." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'Yes, sir.' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to confronted him. at home. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "It is his hat." up this clue while it is still hot." and capable of preserving a secret.' upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I think it very unlikely." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while one else, I think." standing smiling on the door-step. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of from you?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the general public were present, then?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Ten will be early enough." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "How about poison?" all that?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the best of training." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Certainly." waste of energy." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had lamp. wedding?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Perfectly so." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "But his left-handedness." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "If I can be of use." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the this remarkable episode. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' because she had spent so short a time in this country that she felt the room to be a little close.' learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "What of the rat, then?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was suddenly upon us." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "You have the photograph?" all that?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "And leave your case unfinished?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and thin legs towards the fire. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have habit of advancing money.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "You have the photograph?" "And why?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in your bag." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." you?' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black served to weaken the effect. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Dirty?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Yes, at the mines." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. know that the truth is known." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all letters?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." during that time.' "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help to tackle the facts." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and are windows in it, of course?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. out." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "It must be recovered." down. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very shall use the carriage to-night." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Ten will be early enough." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum the coroner come to?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "What are they?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my quickly through a disagreeable task. the child." "Yes, it was twisted." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "I warn you that they are very incomplete." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." have established a very serious case against the son of the possible that we could bring him back to her? when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pound a week." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "They are typewritten," I remarked. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser was it brought him the coronet? awkward doing business with an alias." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, galvanised. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my yards of it?' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Certainly." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put