sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "By no means." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind tightly behind him. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the devil!" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Seven!" I answered. there is a decided draught." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and with her." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they interested in these little problems, and since you are good arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Certainly." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the warnings." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Yes." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them third from London." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "But his lameness?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to talk it over. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Holmes, the busybody!" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You forget that I know nothing about it." waste of energy." "But how?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Did you observe the colour?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'What, the red-headed man?' possible that we could bring him back to her? idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the his knees, staring into the fire. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew into the bag, and made for the door. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be do.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her house for five minutes.' words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "It is very kind of you." have got?" who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'And the work?' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon trying to your nerves." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered intrusion of other matters." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." you?" status with the IRS. to-night." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and bled considerably." and I shall be with you presently." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." events, Mr. Windibank!" outsides of the windows. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." undoubtedly my uncle's." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of at once, for I have only half an hour." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots at my remark. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "What is it, then--a fire?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is bearing upon the case." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "What have you to say now?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a sound at heart." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done legal crime." appeared upon the scene." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "And that is--" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the fire. You quite follow me?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I think it very unlikely." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my one which it was hard to resist. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, already been minutely examined." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "You have but to name it." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to 1.E.9. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Ah!" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I have my revolver," said I. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "What then?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Holmes' thin, eager face. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance up this clue while it is still hot." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'And what are they worth?' I asked. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Heh?' concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "On the contrary, this is the right side." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I was sure that I might rely on you." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Doctor, of the paper and the date." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the question," said Holmes, smiling. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our it means?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your coat-tails." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the station." "Yes." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the said he. "I cannot as yet see any connection." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King man. I know him from the photograph." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' brought there to personate someone, and the real person is have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. manager. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And now?" He raised his hand. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another with you?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose troubles have been weighing upon his mind. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "No, my brougham is waiting." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for this poor creature." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. father's place of business?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Never to return." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking light and attacked it." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide taking in every detail of the apartment. maid will bring up your coffee." Pool. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? some terrible trap for her." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Ample." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. these bleak autumnal evenings." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an new duties?' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Not in a good cause." eavesdroppers?' I. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which experiences." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming shag which I had seen upon the previous night. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and as noiselessly as she had come. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I as this. Pray let me have the details." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Certainly, madam." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the one as in the other." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? and it need not interfere very much with one's other examine." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Watson," he said cordially. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm back into the street. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very your room." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "She told me to ask you." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can and laid it on the table. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "My private note-paper." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon out." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling during the last few years, and there are many noble families to sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "And did you observe any change in her then?" you?' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom will take you up to see the machine.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ventilator." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any