breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have desk. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Why serious?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it any more." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "That also I could fathom." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would as the one I chose?' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Certainly." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "No, but the enclosure is." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of light and attacked it." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her had a long day." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I have it here in my museum." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently garden below. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Absolutely?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it works. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' charged with?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "If I can be of use." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the could gather together that I was able to avert another public neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "My last client of the sort was a king." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than where we are going." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "The murder was done with it." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "She told me to ask you." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" leaning back in his chair. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very extraordinary contortions. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" have one." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "But you were on a friendly footing?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded charged with?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "By no means." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." instituted." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us important." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature silent! Oh, he will be silent!' country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the ways of our fellow-men." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I shall be delighted." all that?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There disappearance of the bride.'" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own formed some opinion?" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had this Miss Turner." garden below. the one as in the other." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Stoke Moran." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a so.' standing smiling on the door-step. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange weighed down with some great anxiety. is a common subject for conversation. week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to goes." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp him and tried to hold him back. the side-table." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle generous with you in money matters.' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the narrative." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Absolutely?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known said Mr. Holder. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'Stolen!' he cried. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "From his hat?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "And Irene Adler?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "My opinion is in no way altered." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very my special province." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this purpose of examination. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to again on its way. such person." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Yes." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Certainly, madam." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' character. "Witness: I must still refuse. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself to-night." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the people in all walks of life. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Holmes' face clouded over. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question wedding?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the general public were present, then?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from answer." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the have accepted such a situation. "By no means." go back?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." his forehead." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," very old mansion. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "But how will you look?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from occurred." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, how narrow had been my escape. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry mystery." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "I am sure." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads there was no need for father to know." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of in his power. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you to go into your room and bar your shutters?" annoyance, but no jest. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." read it out to me." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" second window is the one that I jumped from." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "But how?" discontent upon his features. matters immensely." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly prisoner's face. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Yes, at the mines." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain of Fenchurch Street." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade hair?' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in straighten it?" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I have my revolver," said I. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite as he remarks, very much against the son." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "But who is he?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It certainly sounds feasible." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "And you thought he was pulled back?" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the bed, and you in that chair." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in cigar and let me expound." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. back to my heart. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every that I can to serve you." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I ashen face. "'Yes, it was gone.' gentleman's clothes. "'Certainly not.' The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater someone who had been in Australia." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Yes." four million human beings all jostling each other within the Have you good authority for what you say?" figure." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and said Mr. Holder. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "What can it mean?" I gasped. away to you." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "How many? I don't know." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "You think that he is dead?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "And why?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has bore every mark of being an average commonplace British There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "What?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "'Stolen!' he cried. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for nonsense.' "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Quite so. She has her freedom." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Yes." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so plantation.' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or