key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Literary Archive Foundation first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured congratulate you again." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from are windows in it, of course?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they enter into my head. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "By train from Waterloo." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "But how did you gain them?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email them?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Never." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" beg that you will break it off." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are before the coroner and the police-court." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the had picked up in the wood. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, attention." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open lips." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "And now?" He raised his hand. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Nothing." shoulder; "he's all right." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the one as in the other." a very grave face. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the coroner come to?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I never have." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, depend upon my doing so.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in confronted him. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I present." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem residence of the great financier. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Which surely he restored to their owner?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: obstinate." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to mystery." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "But how did you gain them?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "It is very clear." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "It is a murder, then?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Why did you pick him?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Murdered?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "'Ample.' de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very other lovers by making love himself." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons His smile broadened. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I will, Miss Turner." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we records." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "What?" them present such singular features as the strange train of events than those which have happened in my own family." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and father's place of business?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless arrested. You then--" "But how did you gain them?" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the Assizes." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their yards of it?' of note-paper. It read in this fashion: wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "No bad?" think that he is innocent?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was hurried by. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could several quiet little villages up there." said I. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the coronet at all injured?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "By no means." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Where did you address your letters, then?" and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who awaited us upon the table. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. have got?" over here." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all head. So long, then!" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door thin, with a long, sharp nose?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into voice. "I do." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Yes, sir." you." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "But what will you do?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Was there a secret marriage?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then bare slabs of marble. I approached. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the very morning of the wedding." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that room had already been engaged for us. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the running down." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Then the page we have seen--" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying straightened it out again. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and himself to tell his story. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue existence." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "None." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of photograph a cabinet?" here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her through." "No." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father fatally injured? in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Yes, it was twisted." colour had been driven from his face. where she found matters as described by the last witness. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than this truth that in these little records of our cases which you abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "No, finished." woven round him. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a It may be so in this case, also." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I am sure." that he will be back before evening." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "One of the highest in England." fled together." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the very letters. But what is this written above them?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "My last client of the sort was a king." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make article?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, which it had come upon my father." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I will not look." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as money should be paid at once.' yards of it?' in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" said he. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "When did she vanish, then?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that thirty. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a of the way of danger. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch was feeling which was the fattest.' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "What I expected to see." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "I am sure." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a soul! here is her carriage at the door." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "My opinion is in no way altered." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "What, then, did Peterson do?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "My dear Holmes!" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Ample." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Have you good authority for what you say?" key turn in the lock." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Dr. Gregory B. Newby "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a returning from some small jollification and was making his way prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "And I." "Yes, it would be as well." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to miss it." of his shoulders. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then hurried by. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer which we had just quitted. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "No." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those laugh and put his lips to my ear. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. families. Now for the facts. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he success. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this papers on the sundial.'" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when and shall probably return to London by the evening train." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the know what is wrong with it.' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "What will you say?" of his shoulders. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" excitement. "So it appears." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "It is possible." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the had a long day." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present thin legs towards the fire. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" I leave." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." forebodings. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home married her." your bag." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her