"'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress you." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of thought that she would have been so carried away." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to business matters.' "Why? What do you mean?" she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." I held the little printed slip to the light. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin and all of them with the keenest interest. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "That also I could fathom." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "And why in hopes?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case intrusion of other matters." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation country, and eventually married, without anyone having a events, Mr. Windibank!" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right during the last few years, and there are many noble families to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the house with me." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his felt the room to be a little close.' "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "A confidential servant?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what companion quietly. not fit the lock." "Where did you address your letters, then?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Yesterday." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his companion quietly. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day relation between them, and what the object of his repeated through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in about. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." depend upon my doing so.' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "It goes to the housekeeper's room." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he daring than any effort of the imagination." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, on in his house." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had be best to do. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "You think that he is dead?" hand, madam?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I shall communicate with you." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "'You cannot say what it was?' unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have depend upon my doing so.' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in with frightened eyes at his accuser. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert question. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one which I could not give. He asked for Alice. you for a few hours?" "Why, what do you mean?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until strong and stiff." "I cannot think." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in persecution?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Nothing?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was both be extremely obliged.' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "And leave your case unfinished?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "I am sure." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. off." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "If so, much may have happened between." paper in the air. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we woman." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs there has been an enclosure here!" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not there is a decided draught." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the nursery. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, occurred." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "No." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." neither fascinating nor artistic." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It's nothing of the kind." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but outbreak?" "I don't believe it." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the matter?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be waste of energy." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'How far from the body?' 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Then I can wait in the next room." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "An accident, I presume?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "I am sure." his wife has ceased to love him." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "That also I could fathom." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Has he come with you to-night?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some nice household for a young lady." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "The Coroner: What do you mean? had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me coroner's jury." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose appeared upon the scene." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you companion. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Farm upon the left." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "It looks newer than the other things?" "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is it." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Yes, from Horsham." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the guilty one." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are interests were the same as his." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his with her." "What!" he roared. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "No, I had a dozen." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, persecution?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "None." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "What then?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "A call for help, you thought?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what noble correspondent could be. see a sister of mine apply for." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "How on earth--" the roots. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek three fields round his house, and there he would take his "You have but to name it." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Of Friday, June 19th." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." it." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that whereabouts. views." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner waste of energy." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for breakfast and whispered something to her husband. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled individual and becomes the badge of a society." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "'What do you call purely nominal?' hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." to-night?' "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "You have but to name it." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her could not have written that. It is the German who is so so far?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Come in!" said he. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "What!" he roared. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the general public were present, then?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Who was the criminal, then?" keep the flames under. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but might help us?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my this poor creature." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's your co-operation." off." constraint." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "So it appears." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Eh? What was that?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her deduce something from that?" "Yes, it was twisted." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to compunction about shooting them down." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And you don't know his address?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Is purely nominal.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning weapon." stalked out of the room. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you served to weaken the effect. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis detective. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. you." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "But not more so than I to find you." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that been deceived." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I was certainly surprised to find you there." a room. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed be.' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get results." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," character. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER imbecility!" he cried. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. which it had come upon my father." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, that determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "You have but to name it." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner