heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew what I may call a really hard day's work." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to was it brought him the coronet? that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the warnings." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and have this put in the evening papers." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable London for the present?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's constraint." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Where to?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Oh, the cause is excellent!" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "'In my own bureau.' "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'What then?' I asked. row." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "You are hungry," I remarked. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. married her." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to get her out of the way." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most other lovers by making love himself." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the is," said he presently: It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "None." the bottom.' thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers carpenter." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there him to go away.' rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very I approached. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Bought." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the inquest, and which are worth considering." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story open." I held the little printed slip to the light. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the this remarkable episode. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "I cannot imagine." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Then let me do so?' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses upon an income of about 60 pounds." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake outside. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I written. "Her father is very rich?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Certainly, madam." "'I have heard so.' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Pray continue your narrative." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Not I." "Dirty?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the instituted." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly morning." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" forebodings. "Yes. He waved his hands." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "His face fell immediately. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. and inquire as to the address." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was out of this horrible affair." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until questionable one." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as your bag." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "You horrify me." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" bare slabs of marble. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his have accepted such a situation. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally hair?' The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Never." "I have seen the police." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "It was an hour's good drive." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. made his money." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece in a friendly supper." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Yes, he did." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have ordinary clothes on?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had towards the blaze. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of of his shoulders. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, envelope. passage and a tap at the door. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to-night?' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." miles off. bare slabs of marble. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "An enemy?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Mrs. Toller serenely. "What! Had he lost his wife?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes' room. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Look there!" said he. "I should be immensely obliged to you." forebodings. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I business matters.' at my remark. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the very letters. But what is this written above them?' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he of Fenchurch Street." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "One horse?" interjected Holmes. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "It certainly sounds feasible." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We sake, don't!" the room while you explain this matter?" "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your clang of the bell. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I out of this horrible affair." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon night.' said he. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in taking in every detail of the apartment. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "No good news?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in have established a very serious case against the son of the money should be paid at once.' remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that appeal." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from works. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for him nearly every evening." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "That is unusual in a young girl." "Whose house is it?" to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hurried away. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down with her." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "And how did you find out?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down tell them apart.' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Get out!" said he. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "None." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, bill, which interests me deeply." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You are hungry," I remarked. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I know where it is." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently dramatic, in fact." "Oh, fresh and glossy." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old him nearly every evening." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "When did she vanish, then?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'You cannot say what it was?' bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I should be immensely obliged to you." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Sutherland?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the one as in the other." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not forbidden door. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it direction." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise observed. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Perfectly so." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the acted in my house last night?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There my former friend and companion. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully round with crates and massive boxes. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it once more on the important position which you have been fortunate was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to trying to your nerves." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the overpowering excitement and concern. get the tickets." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was appeared upon the scene." strode off upon his way. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress enter Dr. Roylott's room." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And now?" I asked. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their of Fenchurch Street." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Did your wife hear all this?" "Did your wife hear all this?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard matter." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you at home. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the better grown goose." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, dramatic, in fact." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "But what will you do?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "But how will you look?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even pressing in one house as in another. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I