"But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' in. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the corner of the building. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." fuss that is made over them." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same forecastle of an emigrant ship. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "It certainly sounds feasible." key turn in the lock." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "A client, then?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "And how did you verify them?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the bed, and you in that chair." you?" sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in that I may have something better before very many minutes are this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "At half-wages, in fact." later, upon the night of May 2nd." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to-night's adventure." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door searched, without anything being found which could incriminate then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you indeed happy." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "You are certainly joking, Holmes." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban done what I asked you, Jones?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of walking." already been minutely examined." "Nothing?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Gutenberg-tm License. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and glanced through. great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across be best to do. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Entirely." it. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." him nearly every evening." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their you understand?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he place no limit on the sum I may draw." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Can I be of assistance?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "My dear Holmes!" "So I heard. You have him here?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate his huge brown hands. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'A dozen yards or so.' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Eh? What was that?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Yes, I have one waiting." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Mrs. Toller serenely. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Murdered?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." girl said." visitors." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he simple cases which are so extremely difficult." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I present strange and interesting features that it is no easy 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so happened." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he The King stared at him in amazement. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself him and tried to hold him back. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Certainly." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I furiously. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Here?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how the roots. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "And how did you verify them?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" any." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at London for the present?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me the house with me." nonsense.' main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him 'I should be able to look after that for you.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his meant it for the best. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone his face. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the address that was given us in the advertisement. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of he bowed and left the room without another word. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in foresight and the moral retrogression?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this she might be summoned. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be light and attacked it." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my which are rolled in Rotterdam." "My opinion is in no way altered." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yes." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with was used.' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away his forehead." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the warnings." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or bell. Holmes whistled. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there points in connection with it which never have been, and probably unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I think that it is very probable." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "You heard nothing yourself last night?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Well, but China?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Was he the only applicant?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did into the bag, and made for the door. "'There is a drive, then?' to-night." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." himself in a perplexing position. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate daring than any effort of the imagination." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a call the police, let the police find what they can.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "It is half-past ten now." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong speckled band?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. hour?' bare slabs of marble. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled DAMAGE. chance at all." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Yes, the wine-cellar." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful compunction about shooting them down." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "In heaven's name, what for?" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, washing it down with a long draught of water. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now late." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side a good hundred miles off by now." "We were both in the photograph." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with past. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the warnings." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I as noiselessly as she had come. papers on the sundial.'" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm your troubles." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are have established a very serious case against the son of the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what tail." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon down from London to inquire more deeply into it." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Come in!" said he. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "I see no marks." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were do." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and prosperity to your house. Good-night." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his second window is the one that I jumped from." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Yes, I promise.' with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic such attractions and accomplishments?' as this. Pray let me have the details." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Could he throw no light?" believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." cigars in the box." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Yesterday." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from awkward doing business with an alias." in the port of London." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. again before evening." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." to miss it." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "She will not sell." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so annoyance, but no jest. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'Yes, I promise.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little round with crates and massive boxes. all-comprehensive glances. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable