rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "You think so, too?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known was not a bird to be seen there. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From your co-operation." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United was keenly on my guard against him. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to-night?' master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "My photograph." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. washing it down with a long draught of water. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the the Red-headed League." Again Holmes raved in the air. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the in the port of London." allusion to a rat. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad again, where I was soon asleep. asked. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and glanced through. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe article?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." cost them two and thirty pounds." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, touch that coronet?' "What have you to say now?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Holmes' room. "And what did you learn from him?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, habit of advancing money.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a man. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which to a light-house. been deceived." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the union?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most could gather together that I was able to avert another public skylight. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." lumber-room." the south-west, I see." "Proceed, then." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." his face. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; memory. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure been deceived." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Where is it, then?" soul! here is her carriage at the door." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Sutherland?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from my little problems." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "And you thought he was pulled back?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I do." had picked up in the wood. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "No." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain his wife has ceased to love him." key turn in the lock." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a despaired of." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a not fit the lock." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A call you and give you the chance." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little other lovers by making love himself." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. politicians who had been sent down from the North. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, me where it went to?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we than was visible to me." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" paper in the air. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I should be immensely obliged to you." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. http://www.gutenberg.net a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of how narrow had been my escape. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as were wasted." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole out of this horrible affair." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has not, dad?" she asked. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" colonel looking down at me. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am upon the shelf for the interim." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Why, what do you mean?" chamber." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet hard-headed British jury." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. to Leatherhead. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and the church but not where the lady lived." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. sparkled upon his finger. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was what is your own theory as to what took place?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls may never be exposed to such a temptation." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'You doubt its value?' he asked. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Look there!" said he. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "It is very kind of you." "No, finished." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban vanished into the darkness. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to matter." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his to go into your room and bar your shutters?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into mysterious end." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I am following you closely," I answered. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do himself to hunt down. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It comes from the middle window." Street. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her interested in these little problems, and since you are good "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the driver. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about Eyford." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just the night.' "He is dead," cried several voices. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. leaning back in his chair. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning conversation I have gathered that they have been married about look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Well, some hundreds of times." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to cheerful." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Then let me do so?' think that he is innocent?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been delirious. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought but preventing her from injuring another. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "You are all wrong." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. within hail.' "No, I am descending." Literary Archive Foundation "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no exactly what you advise." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "But you have hopes?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I am sure." the window, rose as we entered. made his money." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Which are?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Why? What do you mean?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might happened." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have purpose equally well?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "That you are never beaten." you." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "'Certainly not.' persecution?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'And the work?' instituted." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. stalked out of the room. the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "And you don't know his address?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Proceed, then." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to what I may call a really hard day's work." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Yes, it would be as well." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to giving me time to thank him. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may problems help me to do so." "What!" he roared. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." more solid." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off breakfast." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'You doubt its value?' he asked. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes have one." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the date of his supposed suicide." our word." answered with a sidelong glance. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," upon an income of about 60 pounds." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Did he not advertise?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with an introduction to him?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! soul! here is her carriage at the door." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you made his money." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "It's nothing of the kind." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend I was concerned in it." neither fascinating nor artistic." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which so.' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I am following you closely," I answered. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Yes, but only for you and me." "I was afraid that you were engaged." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear mysterious business." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "You did not overhear what they said?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not delighted to hear it," he said. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from may have an influence upon European history." true." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. tell them apart.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come tear off another piece?' not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in asked.