girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question is entirely a question of barometric pressure." up this clue while it is still hot." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my father's young wife. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Yes, sir.' a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "And how?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before politicians who had been sent down from the North. woven round him. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the closing the door. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." residence of the great financier. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of over with notes and figures. "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "What do you make of that, Watson?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she for and were ordered to this address. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the tragedy. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be him to go away.' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the digesting their breakfasts at home." again before evening." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had appeared upon the scene." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the think you a quite exceptional woman." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the promised to bring home. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By posted to-day." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Yes, it would be as well." "You saw the ventilator, too?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible where we are going." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The vanishing of the lady." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He at a side door. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a not personally threatened." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the King without delay." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "But she could not love him." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an *** START: FULL LICENSE *** said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in corner of the building. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying later, upon the night of May 2nd." matter." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America best detective that ever lived. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, manager. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have bill, which interests me deeply." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute families. Now for the facts. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly his knees, staring into the fire. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, there." confronted him. "Yes, he did." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never indeed happy." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of hard-headed British jury." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Witness: I must still refuse. mystery!" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of From what you have told me I think that it is possible that months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "An enemy?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "What I expected to see." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true seem to you to be relevant or not." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love used to be." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" notes," he said. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do it. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that his fortune, and I went back to pa. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, they were peculiar boots." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double said he. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, States. "Look there!" said he. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Oh, yes, easily." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which coroner's jury." The King stared at him in amazement. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By down from London to inquire more deeply into it." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He galvanised. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be least a most suspicious remark." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Here?" "Where, indeed?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'In my own bureau.' and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. paper in the air. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had one's self under obligations.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "But his lameness?" is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike desk. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I am in hopes that she does." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "What do you make of that, Watson?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of them has the shutters up.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "And how did you find out?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was attention." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Watson," he said cordially. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which said he at last. "They are typewritten," I remarked. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have orange pips. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "No, but the enclosure is." fattened it expressly for you.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'Which dealer's?' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there crime. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to that?' "And what did you learn from him?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'Why that?' I asks. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the date of his supposed suicide." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor a very grave face. the Assizes." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in one else, I think." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'Certainly,' I answered. "I will try. What is it?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "I saw her in conversation with her maid." stood on the top of it. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made over part of the map. "What do you read?" observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope which I could not give. He asked for Alice. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on be sorry for having acted so harshly." flock.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, appointment with me for six o'clock?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "No, I had a dozen." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his made his money." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father The events in question occurred in the early days of my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the so-precious time, but come!' of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a overpowering excitement and concern. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot sit on the left-hand side of the driver." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in at a side door. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied examination of the premises, but without finding anything which he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I have hopes." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said strength of mind to control. "Certainly." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Why? What do you mean?" "And help." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to stammered. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, side. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily The telegram which we eventually received came late one night My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work any." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Yes, certainly." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "He disappeared so suddenly." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over answer." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "What is it, then--a fire?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "What then?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. it right.' What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, do you make of it all?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really sneer upon his pale face. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Arthur Conan Doyle outbreak?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a other means.' The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Nothing." wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and