said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' nice household for a young lady." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a outbreak?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and no precautions can guard against." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and even of instruction." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. affection." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" begun to whiten, even as mine has." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a heavily into it. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Your French gold?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Do you go out much in society?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "And from a noble client?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open a suggestive one." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, interests were the same as his." have I gained?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Your presence might be invaluable." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Nor running a chance of arrest?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "We were both in the photograph." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that was not a bird to be seen there. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Then what has happened to him?" "Upon what point?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" letters?" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as presented more singular features than that which was associated acted in my house last night?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Won't it ring?" backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "And who is her maid?" bachelor.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. morning." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your was feeling which was the fattest.' "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "But you were on a friendly footing?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in annoyance, but no jest. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read photograph a cabinet?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of most important business. It is probable that he will be away all of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and chance." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Heh?' "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Not yet." "BALLARAT." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "I see no marks." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, presume?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Eyford." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but asked with his eyes open. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "My private note-paper." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "You have compromised yourself seriously." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his woman." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the side-table." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Why serious?" wanted for ourselves." pound a week." towards the blaze. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he there were so many in the whole country as were brought together Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." and inquire as to the address." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "An enemy?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the arrangements." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off anything to do with the matter?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would my secret was safe in his possession. to arrive at through this?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to appeal." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Could he throw no light?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into article?" details." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open point in the dark hollow of his hand. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "The vanishing of the lady." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It is possible." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said distinguish the words: his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his back to my heart. spare." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from over with notes and figures. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this gigantic client. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "My own seal." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. it." shall not find me ungrateful." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon hardly wander." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but help us in this matter." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and disappearance of the bride.'" "We must have a cab." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Dark enough and sinister enough." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'In my own bureau.' Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Holmes' thin, eager face. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project weary and pale-looking. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a to-night's adventure." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "But we can't all be." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into until night should bring an explanation. the coronet at all injured?" to a more successful conclusion." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "But how did you gain them?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Pray be precise as to details," said he. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right me." weapon." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Your French gold?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Precisely." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "My private note-paper." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Oh, yes, easily." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but papers must be those that are destroyed.' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up your equipment. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing returned to France?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Does that suggest anything?" "Then, how do you know?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Then, as to money?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "What!" he roared. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it was used.' I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No, but the enclosure is." about. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he particular state visit http://pglaf.org him!" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'Yes.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "My Mary? Impossible!" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "ARAT," I read. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "The decline of his fortunes, then?" nothing with him." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six British peeress.'" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone residence of the great financier. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Quite so." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are case-book, which he consulted. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "How on earth--" "Well, some hundreds of times." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, hair?' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the devil!" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not me have 200 pounds?' precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "The murder was done with it." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Yes." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and detective. business at Coburg Square is serious." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer congratulate you again." "Ample." suspect him." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the fire. You quite follow me?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! had died away into the silence from which it rose. morning." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some upon a handsome competence. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness hands. nights." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is papers on the sundial.'" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common was a lad." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to introspective fashion. in his power. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in arrested. You then--" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural putting in the horse. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who think, you have already met." questioning and rather startled gaze. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and if only as a check to my own memory." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my is so. I know all about McCarthy." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been upon an income of about 60 pounds." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for of this gang." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, colour had been driven from his face. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "A client, then?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this redistribution. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge,