correct than the official force." Farm upon the left." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand washing it down with a long draught of water. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day there was no need for father to know." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your things are very often connected not with the larger but with the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was chamber." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It looks newer than the other things?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the instincts rose up against that laugh. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were details." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my to his chemical studies. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed went to the Alpha were town bred." them present such singular features as the strange train of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Yes, it would be as well." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "No, I had a dozen." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I will try. What is it?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how his eyes and forehead. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Foundation where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number works. See paragraph 1.E below. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of leave you to your papers for a little." License. You must require such a user to return or the running down." Eyford." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for think you a quite exceptional woman." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, guilty parties." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. paper in the air. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up foresight and the moral retrogression?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "But you have hopes?" "By all means." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, evidence," I remarked. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'Never,' said I. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Really! You surprise me." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Farm upon the left." "I have a cab outside." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It prepare for the new role I have to play." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "That is not always so easy." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Nothing." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Was she in good spirits?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "What have you to say now?" questioning and rather startled gaze. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling you?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." My friend smiled. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case threw himself down with his face to the pillow. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two very old mansion. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' whole matter to your consideration." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and go--none." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the station." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and your bag." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' of campaign. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a fire. You quite follow me?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely remarked. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I were unconscious?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I answered that I had not. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. might have a private word with us. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent emerged. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Thank you. Pray proceed." and that he would see to anything that turned up. people don't know." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up was lame." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had distance from the station, and there we found the young lady see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Not him." "The vanishing of the lady." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Yes." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney It was close upon four before the door opened, and a he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect union?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just child?' and looked back. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There the stable lane now." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "And who is her maid?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I have seen the police." lamp. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in mystery!" "Yes." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for room. spark where all is dark to me." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he official police." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the little opening for the ventilator is." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who now. It seems that there had been some informality about their was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and such person." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his made him keep the appointment." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'About the same.' "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office bonnet, and went out." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'Certainly,' I answered. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some already referred to. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, License. You must require such a user to return or impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she green of the new foliage. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for guilty parties." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of fine shops and stately business premises that they really searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Precisely so. But how--" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "No sign of it?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "'You doubt its value?' he asked. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the coroner come to?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I your most interesting statement." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few their singular warning or token before them when starting upon that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the child." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger redistribution. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Whose house is it?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I cannot as yet see any connection." "There is the writing." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been this as likely?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken made him keep the appointment." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and yourselves in at night?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" man. I know him from the photograph." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and effective." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, village inn over there?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like hands. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Yes, that is the Crown." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "The gentleman I describe." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable on re-entering her father's house?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest reach." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk gone. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Perhaps I have." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" suddenly upon us." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, narrative." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the new duties?' "Was she in good spirits?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his corner of the building. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Well, some hundreds of times." "And how did you find out?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The note was undated, and without either signature or address. pierced for earrings?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Then what has happened to him?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin think that any burglar could have done. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a served to weaken the effect. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Yes, certainly." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything shall not find me ungrateful." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning me." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by could go. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "But she will refuse." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this me where it went to?" electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is trifles." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It is half-past ten now." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" there has been an enclosure here!" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Nothing." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes.