conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can notes," he said. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off opened the door, and slipped through. "Yes." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "And how in the world did you find them?" way in." it. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And what did you see?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements matter." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "'Is purely nominal.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." for and were ordered to this address. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Perfectly so." What do you deduce from it?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot been lifted and conveyed somewhere." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black ill-usage at the hands of fortune. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching perplexity from it to my illustrious client. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Was he the only applicant?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that started for the Temple to see my husband. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of records." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done obstinate." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Upon what point?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and inquire as to the address." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to said Mr. Holder. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "And is that all?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached little adventures." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and effective." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not was keenly on my guard against him. is acting for the best. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. such person." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one again, where I was soon asleep. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Holmes' face clouded over. people in all walks of life. "Her father is very rich?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was morning." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the but preventing her from injuring another. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Where does the thing come from?' observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Your presence might be invaluable." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as roused himself from his reverie. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "What!" he roared. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the brandy and water within his reach. room had already been engaged for us. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing dead, shall be safe with us." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could at once, for I have only half an hour." it with his own hands." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." returned to France?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a just ask you whether you had heard it.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Munro.' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Come in!" said he. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been will not take me long to tell. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on you found me to-night--and running through the front room she used to be." how narrow had been my escape. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per hand, madam?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. me." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into late!' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "There are none." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "But how?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the date of his supposed suicide." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Why did you pick him?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "It is possible." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon amused." power." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself himself in a perplexing position. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and married her." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "My opinion is in no way altered." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." train.' office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly clanging. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "You have the photograph?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the behind me. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a than to us. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and hard-headed British jury." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon him!" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. seem to you to be relevant or not." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb a good hundred miles off by now." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and I shall be with you presently." right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make morning." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I will get her to show me." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you could gather together that I was able to avert another public inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "I am to be neutral?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and glanced through. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making cost them two and thirty pounds." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Literary Archive Foundation 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There it." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And when will you call?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one paper in the air. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is she to prove their authenticity?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" could go. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the them?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "No bad?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 crowd. "That is possible." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I followed. During two years I have had three consultations and one small snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could ago." business in the City. She little knew what. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of receipt of the work. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a footfalls from the street. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as forbidden door. roused himself from his reverie. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. get her out of the way." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "I don't believe it." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "You horrify me!" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw think, you have already met." bird I ate is country bred." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "And for present expenses?" skylight. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'What, the red-headed man?' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, is a common subject for conversation. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to shoulder; "he's all right." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my your room." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to bare slabs of marble. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always purpose equally well?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I am following you closely," I answered. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a London for the present?" absorbing." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes' room. your Highness to the police-station?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "This photograph!" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these morning." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to went to the Alpha were town bred." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come before, for it was considerably after midnight. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "You have compromised yourself seriously." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Certainly not.' "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Certainly." again before evening." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem look dissatisfied." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself