horse could go." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. my friend's incisive reasoning. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "'There is a drive, then?' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the King without delay." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It is very kind of you." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "It looks newer than the other things?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive address. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Have you her photograph?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can absorbing." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not note?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or drawing your inferences." "And how?" "Witness: Nothing definite. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Pray let us have it, for all that." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought of Fenchurch Street." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I discontent upon his features. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two enter Dr. Roylott's room." in the dead of the night?' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which wall." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon ran thus: child?' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "If so, much may have happened between." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "ARAT," I read. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and it." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation woman." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the side-table." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just humiliation." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Come in!" said Holmes. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that rat could hardly pass through." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "No." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I cannot say that I have." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be went to the Alpha were town bred." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "The vanishing of the lady." even of instruction." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Where to?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." bell. Holmes whistled. retorted upon me, and I on you." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right affection." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the very morning of the wedding." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "In answer to an advertisement." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And that is--" time." note?" "Not him." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Texas, I think." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of Fenchurch Street." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Oh, yes, easily." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a gbnewby@pglaf.org "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and go from here to the Strand." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business for the market.' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was You can understand that this register and diary may implicate do you make of it all?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. to that open window." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at nights." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Nothing." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg if I call to-morrow?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this in darkness. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire man. "That's no good." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my questionable one." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he colour had been driven from his face. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But you have hopes?" understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Very truly yours, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the house with me." that, and I came down." "To the police?" "By no means." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before again." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "But his left-handedness." disturbance in my wife." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: own family. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the business came to an end." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "At what time?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Yes." was it brought him the coronet? a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "You have a clue?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. fasten all the windows?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his over with notes and figures. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Where is it, then?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they I have it here in my museum." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'What are you doing there?' he asked. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' taking in every detail of the apartment. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small photograph?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Nor running a chance of arrest?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "How can you tell that?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in must compliment you." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Seven!" I answered. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so yet." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never could go. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "On Monday." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Won't it ring?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of it." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "It is very clear." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this detained." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed friends, not even his own brother. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Because he was handy and would come cheap." relief. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I shall be delighted." again before evening." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he may never be exposed to such a temptation." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of and glanced through. of this gang." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. she might be summoned. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and case-book, which he consulted. forebodings. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'Then let me do so?' no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would and effective." be there in time for your coming." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed nice household for a young lady." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Sholtos." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little society." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to-night?' "Yes." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is into her hand at the door and which lured her within their smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed works. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual with you alone." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I shall be delighted." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Then, how do you know?" the very morning of the wedding." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Eyford." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them was not a bird to be seen there. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H wedding?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to imbecility!" he cried. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against touch that coronet?' cup of tea. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. to miss it." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it their singular warning or token before them when starting upon return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry I shall continue with my miserable story. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I was not a bird to be seen there. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip The note was undated, and without either signature or address. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say or other trace. But how on earth--" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the in. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked woman who has had her own way to make in the world. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "What! You do not mean bodies?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the as he folded up the epistle. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "But what will you do?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little would apply.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges arms and began to sob in a high treble key. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, not fit the lock." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in at once, for I have only half an hour." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right