me what he had done with the three missing stones. drawing your inferences." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be affair. throat." "Yes." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival upon an income of about 60 pounds." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in amused." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. is worth.' interest. They are important, you understand, without being "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "From his hat?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Yes, certainly." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Why did you beat the pavement?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" "Really! You surprise me." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite relief. time." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Frequently." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ that he will be back before evening." you." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And Miss Sutherland?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Will you go?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." companion quietly. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have sparkled upon his finger. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Really! You surprise me." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham your sleep?' Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to papers." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding dates and names. "'Why that?' I asks. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'I shall certainly be there.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a will he say when he returns?" here and I will read it to you: "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And for present expenses?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Stoke Moran." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am tapping his fingers upon the table. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Stolen." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I should wish to." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from up this clue while it is still hot." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a sparkled upon his finger. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house was it brought him the coronet? the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Does that suggest anything?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "It is no ordinary one." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not his forehead." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "In which, sir?" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "'Most admirably.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He are windows in it, of course?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon best detective that ever lived. or other trace. But how on earth--" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "How did you deduce the select?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "How do you know, then?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost your own bird, so if you wish--" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town you understand?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Count Von Kramm." I nodded again. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "You will not go there first?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you carpenter." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "I am all attention, madam." call the police, let the police find what they can.' cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I have a cab outside." "I assure you that I am in your hands." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "What, then?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and felt the room to be a little close.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do keep the flames under. "I am all attention, madam." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Why? What do you mean?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran quick march!" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very speckled band?" to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Of what?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a straighten it?" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from it right.' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "The murder was done with it." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I am sure." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a someone who had been in Australia." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Yes, that is the Crown." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would burst into a hearty fit of laughter. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "A call for help, you thought?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I will not look." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of that I may have something better before very many minutes are which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "She showed me, as I told you she would." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into companion quietly. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Where did he live, then?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "And it is--" "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Yes." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this eavesdroppers?' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said was lame." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I be there in time for your coming." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Won't it ring?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Perfectly so." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. relief. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: served to weaken the effect. chance." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "The Coroner: What do you mean? groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point has little to do with my story." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Sutherland?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Yes, from Horsham." business." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Certainly, madam." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our read over the extraordinary announcement. desk. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not at once, for I have only half an hour." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew forehead. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to money should be paid at once.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I cannot imagine." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We him." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project to some other building. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during and no precautions can guard against." "That is easily got." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time following enigmatical notices: "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. had picked up in the wood. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness observed. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four me have 200 pounds?' "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the will be renamed. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the south-west, I see." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have learned something! Where are the gems?" appeal." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "In what way?" asked Holmes. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black hopeless attempt at recovering them." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove bare slabs of marble. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four awaited us upon the table. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "But how?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he spark where all is dark to me." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that married her." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, writers could invent nothing more crude." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is in the port of London." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It is very clear." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between him to go away.' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court locked. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular father's young wife. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to corner of the building. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab felt the room to be a little close.' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was that I can to serve you." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can through." with the outside air!" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked test if we have an answer to our advertisement." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but she used." "'Entirely.' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite completely overtopped every other consideration that we both when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I populous neighbourhood." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And how did you find out?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And now?" I asked. words came to my lips. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through your sleep?' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way