hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the King without delay." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he have an American origin." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'I am sure if I had known--' "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And what then?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "No sign of it?" she might be summoned. opened the door, and slipped through. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's congenial hunt. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your introspective fashion. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some roused himself from his reverie. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from bonnet, and went out." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Yes, I have one waiting." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to eavesdroppers?' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day within hail.' with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Well?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Certainly." "I will get her to show me." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do interests were the same as his." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'There is a drive, then?' "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "It was an hour's good drive." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And help." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in heavily into it. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down into the room. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my bill, which interests me deeply." visitors." His name is Francis Prosper." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards be sorry for having acted so harshly." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the society." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the before the coroner and the police-court." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "She walked into the breakfast-room." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that keep the flames under. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed all that?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will you." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the salesman. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Perfectly so." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "She told me to ask you." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and it need not interfere very much with one's other what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "There is the writing." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my best detective that ever lived. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I roused himself from his reverie. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I plantation.' "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "There is the writing." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two not use it unless it is absolutely needed." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your your equipment. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I sound at heart." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which a monotonous occupation." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "I was certainly surprised to find you there." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian be best to do. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that is worth.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, works. See paragraph 1.E below. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang experiences." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." skylight. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Yesterday." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our whether it answered to the description of any of their them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, heavily into it. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "What, then, did Peterson do?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" you." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to http://gutenberg.net/license). "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and married her." prison!" away into the river." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." directly by questioning you." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "When did it break out?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "The Coroner: What do you mean? trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "But to whom?" to surprise her." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" to a more successful conclusion." "The Cedars?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain had this final quarrel? fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was awaited us upon the table. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was before, for it was considerably after midnight. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the coroner come to?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a is," said he presently: pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "My own seal." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and one which it was hard to resist. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and imbecility!" he cried. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a dates and names. "It must be recovered." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a again before evening." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Witness: Nothing definite. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Of what?" once more to my work. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg The summons was a brief and urgent one. and the church but not where the lady lived." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her of Mr. Rucastle's." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "No?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "If I can be of use." "We were both in the photograph." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before him to be an active member of the medical profession." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "He slept on the premises." bedroom door." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "It is very clear." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'I shall certainly be there.' the running down." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. look upon these things in a different way." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would power." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his a suggestive one." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it was the fact that his father should, according to his account, It may be so in this case, also." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "That is not always so easy." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into manager. "'Never.' burst out into a roar of laughter. the coronet at all injured?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, beg that you will break it off." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." whatever might befall. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Leadenhall Street--and--" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "What is it?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Not social, then?" waste of energy." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the matter." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "And how did he make his money?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Holmes. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Count Von Kramm." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a character. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my you do it in twenty minutes!' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass dates and names. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. good for you to do.' purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" presented more singular features than that which was associated jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been cause to be." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "My dear Holmes!" politicians who had been sent down from the North. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "No, but the enclosure is." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the room while you explain this matter?" "And I." key turn in the lock." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "And why in hopes?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. asked. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "No more words. Get out!" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying photograph?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had