nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "It must be recovered." "I answered that I had not. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the License. You must require such a user to return or matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "And now?" He raised his hand. this as likely?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "By no means." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper during the last few years, and there are many noble families to my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Not I." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, whether it answered to the description of any of their trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if one else, I think." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan results." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and burst into a hearty fit of laughter. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Yes." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Frequently." to talk it over. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "There is the writing." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Holmes' thin, eager face. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he dead, shall be safe with us." prepare for the new role I have to play." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by introspective fashion. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low over his head with a sweet womanly caress. to-morrow." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "What, then, did Peterson do?" bearing upon the case." lost nothing by them." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the inner apartment." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest father's young wife. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I would pay ten." trifles." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her of." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if which we had just quitted. from the brougham. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that tell them apart.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing closing the door. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency fire. You quite follow me?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. arrested. You then--" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been quick march!" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Seven!" I answered. McCarthy's innocence. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Who by?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, her also." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to as yours." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too door?" prepare for the new role I have to play." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided generous with you in money matters.' This is what he says: "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its new acquaintance to Baker Street. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in existence." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Two days later this same performance was gone through under making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had little adventures." Serpentine Avenue. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "So I have heard." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his cigars in the box." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Pray do so." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other already been minutely examined." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and London for the present?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought what do you think they found in the pockets?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and man. I know him from the photograph." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Yes, it was gone.' though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the enter into my head. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There distinguish the words: her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to miss it." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the his knees, staring into the fire. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no works. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said she might be summoned. fuss that is made over them." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing my special province." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and future lives." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall newspaper selections." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those power." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. place of silver." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance as noiselessly as she had come. the coronet in his hands?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." and a shock of very red hair. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural hardly wander." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than have an American origin." eat it." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "And why?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William depend upon my doing so.' "I think that it is very probable." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I it? Did I buy the geese off you?" himself to tell his story. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His conceal it?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the loss of it. the tragedy. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" flock.' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "And why in hopes?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless humiliation." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. there is a decided draught." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such anything to do with the matter?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to clang of the bell. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his that he will be back before evening." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to other lovers by making love himself." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Yes." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel down. and the colonel ushered me in. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the events, Mr. Windibank!" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have she slowly sank and died without having recovered her way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few could not have written that. It is the German who is so wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "But she could not love him." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, exactly what you advise." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "You forget that I know nothing about it." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter if only as a check to my own memory." them?" do.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a closely." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'Certainly,' I answered. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "And the cigar-holder?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in invisible to me," I remarked. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in papers on the sundial.'" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual his grey eyes. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Pray do so." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to brain must have something in it." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the matter?" "'Certainly not.' pound a week." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" dates and names. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and the colonel ushered me in. leaning back in his chair. "No, I am descending." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "You have a clue?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "You have but to name it." "'Yes, I promise.' hard-headed British jury." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "So I heard. You have him here?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a charge against him will break down." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon upon the white wrist. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Lee, in the county of Kent." His smile broadened. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Entirely." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my guilty parties." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to said he. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. do you make of it all?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of society." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Precisely." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "And I to find an enemy." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in in his hands." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a your troubles." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an client, rising. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. in his power. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that detective. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was definite end. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and dates and names. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Did he not advertise?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment again." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." tightly behind him. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It strong and stiff." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" me. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its and all of them with the keenest interest. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the