"I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his with frightened eyes at his accuser. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It missed him, then?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we again." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: exactly what you advise." "That was it, sir." made his money." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting once more for Briony Lodge. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the few hundred pounds.' should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Quite so." questioning and rather startled gaze. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this gone before you can get him to hospital." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'How far from the body?' "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Of what day?" when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has go back?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, roused himself from his reverie. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key wife's character?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. again, where I was soon asleep. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "A confidential servant?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters about. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "It is very kind of you." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "He slept on the premises." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It may not come to that," said Holmes. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the disturbance in my wife." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and will take you up to see the machine.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "And your mother is alive?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "My private note-paper." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you eavesdroppers?' rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, 1.E.9. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we ceremony." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the very morning of the wedding." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "My opinion is in no way altered." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted his huge brown hands. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they October 9, 1890. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what from the brougham. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an not interfere, come what may. You understand?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the room had already been engaged for us. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off once more for Briony Lodge. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I will not look." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "She will not sell." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Chief Executive and Director instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Heh?' beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Whose house is it?" exactly what you advise." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for disappearance of these gems?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for bill, which interests me deeply." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried enter into my head. easy-going way." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I should like to see him very much." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he it means?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel closing the door. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "My private note-paper." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's fait accompli?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a London for the present?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "And who is her maid?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running completely overtopped every other consideration that we both come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to go--none." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your have had none more fantastic than this." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "So I am. Very much so." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a washing it down with a long draught of water. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to particular state visit http://pglaf.org advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something been able to understand it, in a very few words. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at just ask you whether you had heard it.' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "What do you make of that, Watson?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Frequently." all that?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Yes." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Yes." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "By all means." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me anything to do with the matter?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything this truth that in these little records of our cases which you with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you excitement. time." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a gone. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "What will you do, then?" "Game for a morning drive?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It there were so many in the whole country as were brought together word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes gone. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "And why?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be to where he stood hid behind the curtain. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I will not take me long to tell. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "My dear Holmes!" The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost it." there is a decided draught." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few of your young ladies.' 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with call it cruel." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." have I gained?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "My opinion is in no way altered." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your II. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see open." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that weighed down with some great anxiety. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "You think so, too?" "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Did you observe the colour?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "I answered that I had not. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what once more. or other trace. But how on earth--" The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "An enemy?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced in the dead of the night?' "It is true that I have been generally successful." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it whole matter to your consideration." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the throat." "'And the work?' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "No. His orders were to stay in the house." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was to arrive at through this?" will take you up to see the machine.' next day. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account at my own good fortune. been." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away your room." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "You did not overhear what they said?" "Dirty?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'Then let me do so?' was feeling which was the fattest.' across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while that I may have something better before very many minutes are empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Miss Holder?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see obstinate." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my feature." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "My own seal." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Sutherland?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to strong reason behind." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on