of his shoulders. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend business came to an end." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' examine." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "No, thank goodness, she did not." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I beg pardon." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Were they all fastened this morning?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "No." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little other, as fresh and trim as possible. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "I see no marks." should be taken.' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next success. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." it means?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and have this put in the evening papers." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in particular state visit http://pglaf.org brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Where to?' "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, conceal it?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's cigar and let me expound." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to tell." "'Ten to two.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us not interfere, come what may. You understand?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "But you were on a friendly footing?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the to take care of herself." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and derbies." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Perhaps we may make them less so." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at was feeling which was the fattest.' the very letters. But what is this written above them?' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to ready to-morrow?' finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of posted to-day." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "But he might be a bachelor." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Not in a good cause." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Ten to two.' beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. me." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "And you don't know his address?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent a room. if I call to-morrow?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "At half-wages, in fact." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Where, then, is my wife?" "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy fuss that is made over them." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the roots. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. gone. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Edgeware Road. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. drawing your inferences." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my emerged. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over official police." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in not fit the lock." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled http://www.gutenberg.net "And the murderer?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting fled together." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob meanly of me." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no what do you think they found in the pockets?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "There is the writing." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project shall not find me ungrateful." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "It is possible." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Witness: Nothing definite. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and British peeress.'" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "She will not sell." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy will he say when he returns?" sufficient punishment." "By all means." ceremony." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. enter Dr. Roylott's room." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "About a month then." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. should be taken.' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "But what harm can there be in that?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' over here." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that again on its way. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to it were putty." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Precisely so. But how--" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and inquire as to the address." back to my heart. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "No." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" records." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" speckled band?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "No more words. Get out!" "But we can't all be." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless you." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the salesman. this remarkable episode. "'Why that?' I asks. lectures into a series of tales." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Why, what do you mean?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Will you bet, then?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he the armchair which I pushed forward for him. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused neither fascinating nor artistic." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his eyes and forehead. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Won't it ring?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. you want, then?' "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have prepare for the new role I have to play." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the that there was nothing in it, after all." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily wanted for ourselves." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open easy-going way." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the inquest, and which are worth considering." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to you." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel in the port of London." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Holmes' room. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a said he. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Indeed! Whose, then?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over of his shoulders. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "But of what society?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "But of what society?" London for the present?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have neither fascinating nor artistic." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Yes." to miss it." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I promise," said Holmes. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I this remarkable episode. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, maid will bring up your coffee." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not death." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our went to the Alpha were town bred." answered with a sidelong glance. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "And why?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to nonsense.' "I have my revolver," said I. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them purpose equally well?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and second." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of at home. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, never will be, entirely cleared up. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so writing, and yet I know it well." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "You have compromised yourself seriously." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress of the one which your family is now devouring." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "How did you trace it, then?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired spark where all is dark to me." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of tear off another piece?' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "By no means." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if certainly not very gracious." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has visitors." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "We must sit without light. He would see it through the gone. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was speckled band?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Arthur Conan Doyle the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of he. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to telegram would bring me down to your help." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "'You doubt its value?' he asked. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the not come at once?" "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to affect your life." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "My last client of the sort was a king." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow look dissatisfied." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Holmes' room. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two how narrow had been my escape. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Bought." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is was it brought him the coronet? heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked