the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Leadenhall Street--and--" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns was lame." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs http://gutenberg.net/license). be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." of your young ladies.' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "By no means." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that me. You must get home instantly and act." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance asked. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. true." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the in a friendly supper." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is sufficient punishment." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the could gather together that I was able to avert another public to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his crackling voice. "But she could not love him." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a I think that I could be of assistance to you." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Yes." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, if she died from some sudden fright." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You in this note: the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside train from Paddington which would bring you there at about will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day gigantic client. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we rat could hardly pass through." photograph?" one else, I think." again, where I was soon asleep. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Look there!" said he. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary that read it out to me." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and developed." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and plantation.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to posted to-day." "He said too much." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "About a month then." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could indeed happy." back to my heart. in him." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. head. So long, then!" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Sholtos." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which It may be so in this case, also." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very since then to throw any light upon what became of him." narrative." hair?' evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag tell me that you intended to go into harness." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up records." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" me. outbreak?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have to change my dress. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" floor. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking rat could hardly pass through." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "You don't mind breaking the law?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, the bottom.' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "My opinion is in no way altered." new acquaintance to Baker Street. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat your only hope of safety." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" opened the door, and slipped through. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the morning." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, think you a quite exceptional woman." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and hair?' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you is so. I know all about McCarthy." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the address that was given us in the advertisement. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for had died away into the silence from which it rose. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and I shall be with you presently." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who feature." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that all?" "And how?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have entirely devoid of interest." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought will be renamed. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Pool. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "'Yes, I promise.' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of astonishment. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the room?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I am about to be married." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. business at Coburg Square is serious." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I was sure that I might rely on you." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on go back?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as IS spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I should be immensely obliged to you." arrested. You then--" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist all-comprehensive glances. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from will not take me long to tell. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Then what has happened to him?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I have hopes." strength." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "But what harm can there be in that?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Not social, then?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Will you go?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Stoke Moran?" said he. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "No. What a strange idea!" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from respectable self." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. galvanised. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "If I can be of use." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Texas, I think." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our returned to France?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "And what did you see?" and a shock of very red hair. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Holmes' room. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "'Ample.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has instincts rose up against that laugh. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every purpose of examination. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, other lovers by making love himself." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, secret." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His together. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more views." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is retorted upon me, and I on you." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Yes, there are nearly always some there." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the This is what he says: redistribution. Farm upon the left." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "And how?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Holmes. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it bare slabs of marble. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have was feeling which was the fattest.' the room while you explain this matter?" Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. hands. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had once more to my work. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" meanly of me." "My Mary? Impossible!" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, did not hear it also.' "'Then let me do so?' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Nothing." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing joking. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a walking." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hurried away. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "It is very kind of you." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "This concluded the examination of the witness." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum burst out into a roar of laughter. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly affair. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken to that open window." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow arrested. You then--" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "To an end?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him than was visible to me." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw held up the lantern and gazed about him. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried Count Von Kramm." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "You have it, sir, just as it happened." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded this remarkable episode. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't would apply.' you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry conduct the inquiry." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" tell them apart.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are even of instruction." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring other means.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My gone. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, leave you to your papers for a little." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he handed it to him. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Yes, from Horsham." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have information in his hands the value of which he did not himself money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter giving me time to thank him. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had