might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" people don't know." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest directors have had misgivings upon the subject." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure danger is over." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the there when the Rucastles went away." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning was not a bird to be seen there. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that was a perfect sample of the class. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat meant." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the very morning of the wedding." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable hardly wander." there has been an enclosure here!" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door do you make of it all?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" redistribution. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "I would pay ten." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. train.' swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but I. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so crowd. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera papers diligently of late, have you not?" Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'I have already given you my word.' "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was passage and a tap at the door. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "It missed him, then?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" could go. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right highroad, where all traces were lost. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke together. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "9th. McCauley cleared. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by late." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "That was it, sir." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, of it with the greatest attention. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the coroner come to?" "Not in a good cause." when you have done it." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with waste of energy." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of all that?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at troubles have been weighing upon his mind. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was dead, shall be safe with us." "Absolutely none." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them been." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. bill, which interests me deeply." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as this truth that in these little records of our cases which you We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as fuss that is made over them." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That read it out to me." infinite languor in his face. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, conclusions. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and congratulate you again." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with used to be." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to arms and began to sob in a high treble key. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "The murder was done with it." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this copied or distributed: prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, followed. weary and pale-looking. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the keep the flames under. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "And how in the world did you find them?" get her out of the way." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of what do you think they found in the pockets?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "He said too much." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Pray tell us what has happened to you." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one walking." better in every way that they should make their position a little great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. voice, changing her seat as requested. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that showing my impatience. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" yourselves in at night?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so we went to search for him, face downward in a little against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come in him." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for charged with?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" distinguish the words: "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. upon the sideboard." there when the Rucastles went away." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs simple cases which are so extremely difficult." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far friend's singular character. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation be there in time for your coming." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out trying to your nerves." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "But who is he?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "'What would be the hours?' I asked. floor. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I you, my dear young lady?' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in since then to throw any light upon what became of him." point in the dark hollow of his hand. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" lips." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "No legal papers or certificates?" young Openshaw's." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his think that any burglar could have done. from the brougham. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double woven round him. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the cigars in the box." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like bearing upon the case." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already him to go away.' at my remark. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Sutherland. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the stones. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "I see many objections to any such theory." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and the church but not where the lady lived." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Perhaps I have." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "My own seal." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to Literary Archive Foundation were wasted." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "I don't say that. Perhaps." unprofitable." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Yes." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of papers." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "The vanishing of the lady." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a ashen face. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. woman." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "I cannot imagine." important." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "'Where could I find him?' our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This it were putty." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every You want to know what became of those geese?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "But she will refuse." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'Yes, sir.' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until ago." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done not personally threatened." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Leadenhall Street--and--" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Chief Executive and Director days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "On Monday." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "None. Neville wrote those words." "And how in the world did you find them?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. discontent upon his features. "Why did you beat the pavement?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "But his lameness?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I am in hopes that she does." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried so.' grasp, he hurried from the room. have established a very serious case against the son of the see me here to avoid scandal." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "BALLARAT." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any eat it." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. obstinate." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "That was it, sir." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Yes." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you whole matter to your consideration." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Now, then, what's the last entry?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. himself. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he.