full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler face and glided from the room. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to lamp. I shall communicate with you." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the nursery. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which my little problems." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "And I say east," said my patient. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Here?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No sign of it?" "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, article?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "To an end?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, His name is Francis Prosper." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Where, then?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to have that photograph." ways of our fellow-men." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace garden below. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "It was." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "The doctor?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first This is what he says: it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great will not take me long to tell. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "No." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in dramatic, in fact." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems late!' any more." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that straighten it?" be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Murdered?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting girl said." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "What, then?" colonel looking down at me. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could kindly on the shoulder. any little problem which you may submit to me." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is in the dead of the night?' "Pray be precise as to details," said he. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and upon the white wrist. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he and no precautions can guard against." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy is worth.' without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. meant." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "May I see it?" one which it was hard to resist. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to indeed which he could not unravel. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring interest. They are important, you understand, without being my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I would pay ten." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. business in the City. She little knew what. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Never,' said I. the child." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who she might be summoned. populous neighbourhood." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped my friend's incisive reasoning. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your this poor creature." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers hurried by. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Certainly." "How about poison?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the 1.F. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He business." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project and files of the old papers, following the future career of every into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I don't believe it." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no this truth that in these little records of our cases which you with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, again on its way. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "About a month then." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which upon the white wrist. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Your sister is dead, then?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I very morning of my second wedding." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I experiences." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord for its centre. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until are windows in it, of course?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "What then?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the colonel looking down at me. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "No legal papers or certificates?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to that I am arrested." fled together." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at nonsense.' as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with recover the gem." best detective that ever lived. written, and locked the door of the office after me. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Edgeware Road. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Precisely." a little more before I quite committed myself. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "A call for help, you thought?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "'Where to?' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you acted in my house last night?" hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which like gravel from a pit.' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" gives a meaning to it." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them at once, for I have only half an hour." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of a light. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah there has been an enclosure here!" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Which are?" days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Lee, in the county of Kent." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his with you alone." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Very murderous indeed." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any hard-headed British jury." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, reach." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. from the brougham. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Do you go out much in society?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my an introduction to him?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater himself to tell his story. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to this unhappy family?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Where, indeed?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Not him." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "On Monday." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Count Von Kramm." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a at my remark. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. than to us. allusion to a rat. "There are none." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect this unhappy family?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." least a most suspicious remark." clanging. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." to talk it over. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a hands. never came back." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two locked. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so presume?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed official police." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is come either from the window or the door. My attention was coat-tails." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' down. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "In San Francisco, a year ago." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When me." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, to have been novel and of interest." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "'Ten to two.' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Never to return." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if village inn over there?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "It is solved." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or had no one to advise her at such a crisis." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the digesting their breakfasts at home." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had that, and I came down." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "The landlord of the Alpha." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." made him keep the appointment." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his to a more successful conclusion." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich both be extremely obliged.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further very old mansion. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this