the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'Yes.' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any brain must have something in it." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah house for five minutes.' order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of bonnet, and went out." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Never." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the so-precious time, but come!' loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to go into your room and bar your shutters?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was astonishment. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I cannot think." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has think that any burglar could have done. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that call you and give you the chance." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite his grey eyes. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor annoyance, but no jest. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of the one which your family is now devouring." went to the Alpha were town bred." "My dear Holmes!" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. all?" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe foot. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and capable of preserving a secret.' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Yes, certainly." persecution?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her maid will bring up your coffee." "And why?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Cross for the Continent." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" giving me time to thank him. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the coronet in his hands?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had you." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I should like to see him very much." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I have a cab outside." "Not him." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "Yes, it would be as well." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "May I see it?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Of Friday, June 19th." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then imbecility!" he cried. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Dirty?" reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I sufficient punishment." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." there is a decided draught." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "No more words. Get out!" approach us with offers to donate. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "And what did you learn from him?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will have got?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "My photograph." unprecedented a position." "You have but to name it." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are gone before you can get him to hospital." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit walking." the Red-headed League." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and as yours." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. with the outside air!" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of to-night?" I asked. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "My last client of the sort was a king." Sutherland. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are as noiselessly as she had come. time." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "I fear not." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "What! You do not mean bodies?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Holmes' room. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Chief Executive and Director matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that which are rolled in Rotterdam." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white unprofitable." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "It is no ordinary one." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and from the brougham. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "What of the rat, then?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered entirely lost his self-respect." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the throat." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But distinguish the words: hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are chemical work which was so dear to him. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made drove away. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "He might." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the What do you deduce from it?" "What is it?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and might have a private word with us. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "You horrify me!" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of into the bag, and made for the door. "No, I had a dozen." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly certainly do as you advise." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "But I am all in the dark." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "It was." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There whether it answered to the description of any of their There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Where to?" second window is the one that I jumped from." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon IS "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to-night." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the vanished into the darkness. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo is a common subject for conversation. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is existence." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to look upon these things in a different way." "Pray let us have it, for all that." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake prisoner's face. "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Your French gold?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "'Ample.' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more companion quietly. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "No." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it carriage. It was a chestnut." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Perhaps I have." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'No, I know no one in these parts.' science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "A client, then?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "'Yes.' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "None." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! strange features which were associated with the two crimes which and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send indeed which he could not unravel. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to never came back." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Surrey." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive ran thus: "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "And now?" He raised his hand. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that rose-bushes. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, works. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I see no marks." suspect him." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that occurred." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, undoubtedly my uncle's." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than a monotonous occupation." friend's singular character. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "My photograph." said he at last. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Not him." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in it." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible must compliment you." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "And I say east," said my patient. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Pray be precise as to details," said he. voice, changing her seat as requested. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee way in everything. door?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." generous with you in money matters.' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And what did you learn from him?" dramatic, in fact." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took what do you think they found in the pockets?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a him!" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "And did you observe any change in her then?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to-night's adventure." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Then I shall certainly come." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "But how did you gain them?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "My last client of the sort was a king." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think photograph?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Have you good authority for what you say?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to business in the City. She little knew what. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old