you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I envelope. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the general public were present, then?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sofa. This way, please!" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion that I can to serve you." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, fishes. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "What then?" week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house any." standing smiling on the door-step. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very hard-headed British jury." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed society." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Yes." or other trace. But how on earth--" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael entirely lost his self-respect." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the of." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "What!" he roared. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to-night?" I asked. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Surrey." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our than was visible to me." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "My stepfather's business papers." "Only as much as we can deduce." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed cup of tea. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty to surprise her." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "The murder was done with it." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my From what you have told me I think that it is possible that part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "By train from Waterloo." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "To the police?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan disappearance of the bride.'" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my very old mansion. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered your only hope of safety." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him walking." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my wanted for ourselves." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. investigation." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came chill to my heart. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his kindly on the shoulder. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. secret." humiliation." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "What is it, then--a fire?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook she slowly sank and died without having recovered her you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a are, and they are waiting for us." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove as this. Pray let me have the details." "I shall be delighted." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get brought there to personate someone, and the real person is of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous where we are going." despaired of." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Very well, sir. And this stone?" all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the mystery may be cleared along those lines." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the cup of tea. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All newspaper selections." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of receipt of the work. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you down in his armchair and closing his eyes. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "I shall most certainly do so." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Lee, in the county of Kent." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside have I gained?" fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying have one." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either read it out to me." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and no precautions can guard against." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'Oh, no.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down in the dead of the night?' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I never have." "And did you observe any change in her then?" companion. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Yes." showing my impatience. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Very much so." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are husband's writing, madam." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And Holmes' room. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather goes." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this morning." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked before, for it was considerably after midnight. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. round and wave him away like that.' "Yes, they were peculiar boots." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural to have that photograph." in this way: sufficient punishment." way in." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "But it has twice been burgled." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Pray tell us what has happened to you." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For even so self-evident a thing as that." business at Coburg Square is serious." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking coroner's jury." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "It came here." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and you came in." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them yourselves in at night?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must our word." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying conceal it?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to been anything against him. He had for years been known as a again on its way. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his unkempt, staring out at me. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, you." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other present strange and interesting features that it is no easy wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a business?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "I was afraid that you were engaged." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Perhaps we may make them less so." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon the running down." in his power. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "That is it on the dressing-table." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss one's self under obligations.' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, entirely lost his self-respect." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things and no precautions can guard against." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "How can you tell that?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an and the colonel ushered me in. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon quick march!" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, most interesting one." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is assist you in forming an opinion." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one may have an influence upon European history." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. individual and becomes the badge of a society." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Certainly." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Yes, he did." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "At the wedding breakfast." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at useful material for showing traces. The double line a little age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, business." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my I leave." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My and your relations to her." his forehead." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and works. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case grasp, he hurried from the room. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he people don't know." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "'A dozen yards or so.' and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. What do you deduce from it?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly stepfather?" the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six such person." danger is over." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the new acquaintance to Baker Street. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Dr. Gregory B. Newby neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you know what is wrong with it.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands me. You must get home instantly and act." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Pray do so." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter.