the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "But I am all in the dark." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother look dissatisfied." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we legal crime." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with you found me to-night--and running through the front room she age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And Miss Sutherland?" little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that you saw all that I did." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding several quiet little villages up there." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "What! a murderous attack?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from is a common subject for conversation. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Where to?' Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be deduce something from that?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss country, and eventually married, without anyone having a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. maid will bring up your coffee." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All it." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "I think it very unlikely." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "How do you know, then?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to remarked. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible sparkled upon his finger. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Yes, I have one waiting." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage was shining brightly. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "'I have already given you my word.' "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a morning." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and generous with you in money matters.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else of it with the greatest attention. chill to my heart. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I me where it went to?" "I cannot say that I have." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Not I." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were business?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "No more words. Get out!" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on is acting for the best. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." towards the blaze. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in dramatic, in fact." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's within hail.' of the way of danger. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I had picked up in the wood. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come yourselves in at night?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the mystery may be cleared along those lines." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying in your London, you will know that the office of the company is leaning back in his chair. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Did your wife hear all this?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Breckinridge is his name." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "He disappeared so suddenly." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "In heaven's name, what for?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "What then?" "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. do you make of it all?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and have this put in the evening papers." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I answered that I had not. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same along the entire front of the house, with three long windows is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted case-book, which he consulted. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of charge against him will break down." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and lumber-room." October 9, 1890. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It was an hour's good drive." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. fled together." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "You know me, then?" examine." friends, not even his own brother. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the you in yours." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." locked." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical The summons was a brief and urgent one. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small true." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Nearly eleven." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Entirely." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the best of training." "But you were on a friendly footing?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what said he. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I think it very unlikely." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless house for five minutes.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general remarked. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny tension within him. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions chance." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "'Ample.' "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, passage and a tap at the door. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." could gather together that I was able to avert another public "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sufficient punishment." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other now. It seems that there had been some informality about their is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and I am not easy in my mind about them." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that tapping his fingers upon the table. then?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and gone. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? was already answered. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton imbecility!" he cried. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the you understand?" "'Where could I find him?' blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, prison!" trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at way in." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass chair. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "One of his hands." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, not as remarkable as your advertisement." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the south-west, I see." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to fear." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. answered with a sidelong glance. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a monotonous occupation." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and the colonel ushered me in. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said IS presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may served to weaken the effect. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "By train from Waterloo." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'I shall certainly be there.' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "But of what society?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then You can understand that this register and diary may implicate pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional flock.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle threw himself down with his face to the pillow. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "What steps will you take?" I asked. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "But his left-handedness." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for