practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Murdered?" brandy and water within his reach. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Of what day?" to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "By train from Waterloo." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by questionable one." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square said he. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the Red-headed League." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built observed. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Eyford at 11:15.' the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'I have heard so.' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Witness: I must still refuse. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know in darkness. everything which you would wish to know." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Holmes rather sternly. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "There are none." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "But of what society?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of them has the shutters up.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the newspaper selections." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, there." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had it." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do now. It seems that there had been some informality about their actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It now. It seems that there had been some informality about their she might be summoned. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the stones. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be even of instruction." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You will not go there first?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I cannot tell." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible ventilator." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was brought there to personate someone, and the real person is memory. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, wanted for ourselves." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Where does the thing come from?' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "9th. McCauley cleared. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time to a light-house. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for less than 26s. 4d. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. danger is over." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester entirely devoid of interest." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard must compliment you." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an of the efforts of the United States government and of the better this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try away in different directions, and I went off to make my own him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose room?" manager. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Sutherland. Street. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped feature." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He the window, rose as we entered. carried out of court." chill to my heart. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and amused." could gather together that I was able to avert another public advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "And what did you learn from him?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us better in every way that they should make their position a little tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You are all wrong." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Your sister is dead, then?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, coat-tails." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and your relations to her." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Absolutely none." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in man. I know him from the photograph." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and lost nothing by them." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "And sit in the dark?" "Proceed, then." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the appointment with me for six o'clock?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the strength." "No good news?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I will do it." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Could he throw no light?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down good for you to do.' to-night's adventure." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something standing smiling on the door-step. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows dead, shall be safe with us." chill to my heart. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur with some details as to your case." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and the church but not where the lady lived." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the events, Mr. Windibank!" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an you in yours." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. occupations.' hurried by. your only hope of safety." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she assist you in forming an opinion." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Yes?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental fasten all the windows?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "At the wedding breakfast." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "Never." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "You know me, then?" house for five minutes.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise the matter?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Absolutely none." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the village inn over there?" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Where does the thing come from?' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the IS discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies as he folded up the epistle. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a second window is the one that I jumped from." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a carried out of court." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "That is easily got." Mary, has deserted me." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young weapon." pierced for earrings?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and begun to whiten, even as mine has." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own said he. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you husband's writing, madam." colour had been driven from his face. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money minor matters until to-morrow." sufficient punishment." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe information in his hands the value of which he did not himself circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Certainly, madam." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "That is possible." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." papers must be those that are destroyed.' fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, you do it in twenty minutes!' guilty one." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "The best possible." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and closing the door. His smile broadened. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more assist you in forming an opinion." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'I have heard so.' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 October 9, 1890. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "That was it, sir." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when villagers almost as much as their master. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Certainly, madam." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements weapon." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously to tell." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "So it appears." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign or in danger--" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and obstinate." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Not in a good cause." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his should be taken.' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would do." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Come in!" said Holmes. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Stoke Moran?" said he. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Here?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed sound at heart." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'Is purely nominal.' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I shoulder. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' get the tickets."