been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to excitement. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can feature." between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. other means.' vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and all of them with the keenest interest. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by conduct the inquiry." "'Most admirably.' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Doctor, of the paper and the date." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Have you it here?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before would then never go into court at all." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "You were travelling in the States?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do again, where I was soon asleep. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and have got?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And colonel looking down at me. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future not within a twentieth part of the market price." ashen face. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." carpenter." "Perhaps we may make them less so." "The murder was done with it." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring with frightened eyes at his accuser. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Edgeware Road. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently assist you in forming an opinion." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of more solid." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the particular state visit http://pglaf.org recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of of campaign. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me had this final quarrel? even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "But his lameness?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'You doubt its value?' he asked. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means The telegram which we eventually received came late one night prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the details should find their way into the papers. Inspector my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Pray do so." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the child." "Married! When?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the ourselves in the office." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and kindly on the shoulder. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. manager. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Certainly, madam." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; at a side door. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from events, Mr. Windibank!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room nothing of it?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "And why in hopes?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." drawing your inferences." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "So it appears." "Yes." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. and laid it on the table. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "And how in the world did you find them?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Then how many are there?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her noble correspondent could be. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "No, I had a dozen." in this way: what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I on re-entering her father's house?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the iron safe, which he closed upon it. I. our word." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural followed. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so will not take me long to tell. "But of what society?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "It must be recovered." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but closing the door. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "I have solved it." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Yes." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. maiden herself was most instructive." "What do you make of that, Watson?" you came in." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already paper in the air. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he where we are going." strode off upon his way. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in young Openshaw's." States. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only hurried by. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Surrey." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as cigars in their mouths. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my writing, and yet I know it well." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up as he folded up the epistle. that you saw all that I did." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. room. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "It is half-past ten now." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his obstinate." "Yes. He waved his hands." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "One of his hands." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "What is it, then--a fire?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the must be when I saw the door open.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the lost his Christmas dinner." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband several quiet little villages up there." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes will not take me long to tell. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Sutherland?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I guessed as much." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal against a man in the prime of life?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "'Most admirably.' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there the stable lane now." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." outside." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly to miss it." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the coronet in his hands?" other lovers by making love himself." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Who was the criminal, then?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows were unconscious?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "A greater distance to travel." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "What steps will you take?" I asked. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Get out!" said he. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working lamp. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, even so self-evident a thing as that." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have awkward doing business with an alias." "But I have heard all that you have heard." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Could he throw no light?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been digesting their breakfasts at home." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "In the cells." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the stable lane now." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand you do it in twenty minutes!' could gather together that I was able to avert another public very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Have you it here?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A but preventing her from injuring another. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that to take care of herself." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement ran thus: It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, promised to bring home. "You have compromised yourself seriously." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "No sign of it?" name is different." the one as in the other." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Why did you beat the pavement?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was it." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "I cannot say that I have." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Again Holmes raved in the air. have got?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Tired-looking or fresh?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "I cannot as yet see any connection." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently papers diligently of late, have you not?" the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among shall not find me ungrateful." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be one of them." "Murdered?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now locked. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Yes." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "That is it on the dressing-table." and the church but not where the lady lived." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Then how many are there?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the brandy and water within his reach. bird of prey. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the coronet in his hand?" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a