for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'What do you call purely nominal?' having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Where, then, is my wife?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin to you." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and question. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It during that time.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I think it very unlikely." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "That is it on the dressing-table." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." me have 200 pounds?' play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "No." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "She told me to ask you." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Nothing." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with in my life." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "What are they?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled strong and stiff." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the key of the affair now." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time passage and a tap at the door. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they believe that I should never have any practice at all. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Was she in good spirits?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "And now?" He raised his hand. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. which are rolled in Rotterdam." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "But the mystery?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I up this clue while it is still hot." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut that there was nothing in it, after all." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Your sister is dead, then?" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "By no means." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was death." "'What do you call purely nominal?' take the flies, but not before." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "His face fell immediately. "But she could not love him." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Where did you address your letters, then?" had a long day." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. society." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, best detective that ever lived. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be drove away. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for for its centre. "How on earth--" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out From what you have told me I think that it is possible that would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "No, I am descending." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "And how in the world did you find them?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "But we can't all be." to have that photograph." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with away to you." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making questioning and rather startled gaze. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and use an arc-and-compass breastpin." been." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn intrusion of other matters." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and know what is wrong with it.' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "BALLARAT." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then business." appointment with me for six o'clock?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote II. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew The police have openly confessed that they can at present make 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few directly by questioning you." pictures, libraries, or plate. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery power." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily lips." "None. Neville wrote those words." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "And I." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Yes." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the south-west, I see." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that me upon any point which I do not make clear." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Nearly eleven." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet address. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "This photograph!" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door strength in the others." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Seven!" I answered. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his matters immensely." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "You'll never persuade me to believe that." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe Young McCarthy must be got off, however." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "When did she vanish, then?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions entirely lost his self-respect." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end within hail.' folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did highly," said Holmes. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Come in!" said he. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "One of his hands." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Eh? What was that?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which I shall continue with my miserable story. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried very old mansion. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend think you a quite exceptional woman." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'Yes, sir.' "Will you go?" "Then I can wait in the next room." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "No, I think that I'll take it." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down directors, with the result that you have seen." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A public press." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Dirty?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the coronet in his hands?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of campaign. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "The gentleman I describe." photograph?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both she used." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his closing the door. your co-operation." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a coroner's jury." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "He disappeared so suddenly." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Entirely.' listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be hour?' the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole remarked. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or digesting their breakfasts at home." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies way: lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has deduce something from that?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might business." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "That is it on the dressing-table." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in points to suicide?" this Miss Turner." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "You know me, then?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight vault. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof since then to throw any light upon what became of him." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "You forget that I know nothing about it." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "But she could not love him." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, gigantic client. had formerly been in part my own. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his from you?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down fasten all the windows?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "How long did she speak to this Alice?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was with the outside air!" friend's singular character. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me death." in darkness. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to you." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He little adventures." knowledge of the world." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fattened it expressly for you.' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. within hail.' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by was not a bird to be seen there. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with are windows in it, of course?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of clang of the bell. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever cause to be." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, take the flies, but not before." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond my friend's incisive reasoning. the room while you explain this matter?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'Certainly not.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City London for the present?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round fear." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will neither fascinating nor artistic." Have you good authority for what you say?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek her also." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Your presence might be invaluable." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, head. So long, then!" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your was a lad." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Yes, that is the Crown." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very