metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a and your relations to her." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet chair. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "My stepfather's business papers." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may with some details as to your case." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been again on its way. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a business matters.' o'clock is it?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the salesman. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" furiously. "Holmes, the busybody!" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the hereditary King of Bohemia." time." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that points to suicide?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Did you become engaged then?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "You have the photograph?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I promise," said Holmes. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a gone before you can get him to hospital." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "But you would not advise me to refuse?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his that you saw all that I did." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Then you may be so with me." empty. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional one which it was hard to resist. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon lost nothing by them." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hair?' had died away into the silence from which it rose. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some chemical work which was so dear to him. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an may have an influence upon European history." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it electronic works nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." been deceived." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the awkward doing business with an alias." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for papers." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a character. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'I am sure if I had known--' As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he in this way: "Why did you beat the pavement?" tell them apart.' we went to search for him, face downward in a little rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered did not hear it also.' only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now heavy and sharp instrument." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you then?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. at a side door. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present it." humiliation." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large bill, which interests me deeply." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "And what did you see?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very unkempt, staring out at me. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that eavesdroppers?' rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "How did you deduce the select?" morning." will take you up to see the machine.' it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Very truly yours, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece way in everything. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Breckinridge is his name." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "And now?" He raised his hand. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Yes." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the any more." DAMAGE. presented more singular features than that which was associated singular points about the case. What did the police think of the said he. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Did your wife hear all this?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should girl said." bedroom door." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "I will get her to show me." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I maiden herself was most instructive." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Ample.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with His name is Francis Prosper." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in could go. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman could go. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You will not go there first?" mysterious end." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and put his glass in his pocket. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my 11:15.' young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Of what day?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed kind enough to tell me what I should do." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Munro.' the tragedy. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "And how in the world did you find them?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who signal between you and your father? "My dear Holmes!" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was main points of my analysis." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old geese which you supplied to the Alpha." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not him. narrative." evidence," I remarked. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and hands. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears things are very often connected not with the larger but with the in one or two places in England?' grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "You have the photograph?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the yards of it?' Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "A call for help, you thought?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing galvanised. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon McCarthy's innocence. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are so far?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the coronet in his hand?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the better in every way that they should make their position a little Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Yes." "To an end?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing security.' Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece singular points about the case. What did the police think of the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the little opening for the ventilator is." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the tragedy. Munro.' and have this put in the evening papers." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and may never be exposed to such a temptation." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, attention." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then brandy and water within his reach. seven miles from Eyford Station.' interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got him to be an active member of the medical profession." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Here?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where *** START: FULL LICENSE *** drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress any." papers must be those that are destroyed.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress detective. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, him to go away.' call for protection in the marriage market, for the present the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'I have heard so.' "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I am following you closely," I answered. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's wedding?" "But to whom?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great Surrey." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been coat-tails." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous him to go away.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "But how will you look?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible you, my dear young lady?' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. business?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court situation." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast but preventing her from injuring another. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a few hundred pounds.' "Will you go?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'Entirely.' "What are they?" the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the bearing upon the case." tell me that you intended to go into harness." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture sake, don't!" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what information in his hands the value of which he did not himself jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'You cannot say what it was?' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "What, then, did Peterson do?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "You are all wrong." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand