surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when not use it unless it is absolutely needed." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed woman who has had her own way to make in the world. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made sentimental considerations in the background which would induce springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in way in everything. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I people don't know." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the matter?" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was seen the man in the road." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Yes." "No legal papers or certificates?" in this way: silent! Oh, he will be silent!' metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "I am in hopes that she does." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "'I have heard so.' dead, shall be safe with us." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached get her out of the way." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'I am sure if I had known--' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very said he at last. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously would apply.' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Certainly." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" business came to an end." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Then what has happened to him?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy maid will bring up your coffee." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue humiliation." my little problems." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "The vanishing of the lady." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." take the flies, but not before." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'And the work?' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Yes, all." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "That is it on the dressing-table." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "There are none." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his works. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is minor matters until to-morrow." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to placed his cuttings. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I occurred." lumber-room." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that and looked back. "But she will refuse." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran giving me time to thank him. "He might." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, vanished into the darkness. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other strength of mind to control. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it been deceived." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his third from London." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "In what way?" asked Holmes. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the so-precious time, but come!' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear ashen face. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I an introduction to him?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "To an end?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the own family. three of the beryls in it, was missing. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no of note-paper. It read in this fashion: showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I and files of the old papers, following the future career of every 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended in him." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business you do it in twenty minutes!' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "And what then?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This it were putty." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I you understand?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a annoyance, but no jest. "And I say east," said my patient. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was new duties?' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and bill, which interests me deeply." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. for securing the situation." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not have accepted such a situation. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to talk it over. "Yes, he did." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Was he the only applicant?" he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to retorted upon me, and I on you." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are be there in time for your coming." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his very morning of my second wedding." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "But how will you look?" do you make of it all?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so presented which may be striking and bizarre without being narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. conceal it?" and have this put in the evening papers." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker your sleep?' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It before, for it was considerably after midnight. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I came to find a friend." "Yes, that is the Crown." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban back alive. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend that, and I came down." "That is easily got." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had with you?" the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "You horrify me!" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than telegram would bring me down to your help." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Pool. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I pictures, libraries, or plate. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' charged with?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "By train from Waterloo." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an someone who had been in Australia." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; night.' said he. been." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Was there a secret marriage?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has writing, and yet I know it well." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. less than 26s. 4d. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the a suggestive one." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "That is also quite modern," said the lady. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." girl said." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had not interfere, come what may. You understand?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally in. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, open." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "You think so, too?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "If I can be of use." "Yes." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him place of silver." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "One?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable carried out of court." "You have a clue?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Who was the criminal, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. papers." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or tell me that you intended to go into harness." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and stalked out of the room. better in every way that they should make their position a little "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave must compliment you." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Married! When?" that I can to serve you." at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now to take care of herself." case-book, which he consulted. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at chill to my heart. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a friend's singular character. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which shoulder; "he's all right." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Thank you. And your address?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "And I to find an enemy." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is could not have written that. It is the German who is so I am not easy in my mind about them." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Then you may be so with me." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider call the police, let the police find what they can.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and no precautions can guard against." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "This photograph!" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see strode off upon his way. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "You are hungry," I remarked. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? developed." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said with frightened eyes at his accuser. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted without success. At last the little money which I had saved began While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the the south-west, I see." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to.