was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "At what time?" photograph?" "That was it, sir." acquaintance?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you over with notes and figures. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me window when the police appeared." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its III. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we strong and stiff." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I came to find a friend." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. are, I think, all that we need." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able look dissatisfied." do." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "And on what day did he meet his death?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. carpenter." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Did he not advertise?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must system of imprisonment?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the roots. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its eavesdroppers?' "Then, as to money?" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "One of the highest in England." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must acquaintance?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' people don't know." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "May I see it?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Never.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when tail." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the money should be paid at once.' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in sufficient punishment." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the very letters. But what is this written above them?' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To security.' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" congratulate you again." "Have you it here?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Then I can wait in the next room." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some II. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, to miss it." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "And what did you see?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the attention." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "What of the rat, then?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment business." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An you?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he arms and began to sob in a high treble key. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a possible that we could bring him back to her? signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'Where to?' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "My own seal." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "So it appears." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his see a sister of mine apply for." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in light and attacked it." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a late." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "To an English lawyer named Norton." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to chamber." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater something of him before." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "We were both in the photograph." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on chamber." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "None." records." may never be exposed to such a temptation." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "You were travelling in the States?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge there were one or two details which were new to me. But the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some second window is the one that I jumped from." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Street. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the rat could hardly pass through." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are shall not find me ungrateful." you in yours." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "How did he come?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Imitated." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which lost nothing by them." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I was mad--insane." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. is so. I know all about McCarthy." begun to whiten, even as mine has." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely main points of my analysis." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working any more." "Yes." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Eyford." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "What steps will you take?" I asked. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Heh?' leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given question," said Holmes, smiling. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I say that I have solved it." "Then the page we have seen--" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the house with me." "In heaven's name, what for?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots whole matter to your consideration." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been invisible to me," I remarked. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very Henry Baker is a member." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Will you go?" away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert highroad, where all traces were lost. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house were new raised from a basin. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "What can it mean?" I gasped. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last to you." enough to aid us in our search." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Why? What do you mean?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a views." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the least a most suspicious remark." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you country, and eventually married, without anyone having a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "I was certainly surprised to find you there." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted gone. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Yes." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has again before evening." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "To an English lawyer named Norton." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." help us in this matter." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "What! You do not mean bodies?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little opportunities to fix the problem. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has sentimental considerations in the background which would induce firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your her also." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable on re-entering her father's house?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "My dear Holmes!" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still possible that we could bring him back to her? flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and straightened it out again. appeared upon the scene." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." as this. Pray let me have the details." "And how have you succeeded?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Holmes." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "No, finished." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. there." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth derbies." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "You are hungry," I remarked. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the meanly of me." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "'Yes.' young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more been." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn to tackle the facts." "It's nothing of the kind." "I was afraid that you were engaged." I am not easy in my mind about them." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Could he throw no light?" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the answer." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I