room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." letters?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more four million human beings all jostling each other within the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "What will you say?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that singular points about the case. What did the police think of the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and glanced through. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "But the mystery?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Proceed, then." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came brain must have something in it." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was breakfast?" magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next more terrible than the truth. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa the ceiling. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence ran thus: of it with the greatest attention. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I shall most certainly do so." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" again before evening." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "You are all wrong." "They are typewritten," I remarked. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "'Not at all. I only doubt--' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I young Openshaw's." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of hurried away. in his hands." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, started for the Temple to see my husband. years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid closing the door. acquaintance?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have despaired of." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and success. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the locked." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and shall probably return to London by the evening train." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and to have that photograph." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can crime. guilty parties." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such stalked out of the room. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of and laid it on the table. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday he died? however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were think you a quite exceptional woman." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "It looks newer than the other things?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'Why that?' I asks. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" he died? Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and files of the old papers, following the future career of every agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Yes, certainly." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the general public were present, then?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you way in everything. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their experiences." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to important." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "She will not sell." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "I guessed as much." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me said I. said he at last. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "VIOLET HUNTER." "Why? What do you mean?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Always." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, him and tried to hold him back. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "When did it break out?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but said he. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I everything which you would wish to know." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the footfalls from the street. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him your room." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the it right.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I have my revolver," said I. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." humiliation." door?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face possible that we could bring him back to her? coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Stoke Moran." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." individual and becomes the badge of a society." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Ah!" It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and he died? though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, chance." ourselves in the office." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the 1.E.9. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over politicians who had been sent down from the North. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "What then?" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind system of imprisonment?" "No, I think that I'll take it." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see examination of the premises, but without finding anything which home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the head. So long, then!" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty your most interesting statement." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "None." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my works. See paragraph 1.E below. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "And Irene Adler?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, spare." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I stammered. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no several quiet little villages up there." "Yes, sir." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Nothing." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and the whole place is in a blaze." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "She will not sell." and the whole place is in a blaze." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Seven!" I answered. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had breakfast?" "Yes, all." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works disappearance of the bride.'" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "And how in the world did you find them?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of that there was nothing in it, after all." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "And you thought he was pulled back?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny the matter." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "That is unusual in a young girl." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Never to return." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "It is possible." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Do you go out much in society?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly occurred." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in rose-bushes. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are husband's writing, madam." carriage. It was a chestnut." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a nice household for a young lady." was not a bird to be seen there. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall what these perils are?" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, me. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our upon the sideboard." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted do you make of it all?" of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "What?" "It was." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call this Miss Turner." there!' waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "A client, then?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips with her." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three knowledge of the world." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. thirty. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought one of them." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It prepare for the new role I have to play." status with the IRS. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have you give your casting vote to?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door into the bag, and made for the door. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. voice, changing her seat as requested. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon I nodded again. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if them present such singular features as the strange train of Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You legal crime." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote fear." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the thought that she would have been so carried away." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white me." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, with some details as to your case." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this works. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I digesting their breakfasts at home." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Where did he live, then?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first