harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man just called myself is not exactly my own." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I cannot tell." public press." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "But how?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the salesman. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very III. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "9th. McCauley cleared. woman." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "What is it, then--a fire?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle forbidden door. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." what I may call a really hard day's work." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent whereabouts. answered with a sidelong glance. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. would then never go into court at all." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. there!' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at said he, "my real name is James Ryder." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the of a light. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Not yet." again." will be renamed. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how read over the extraordinary announcement. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote fattened it expressly for you.' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the south-west, I see." the coronet at all injured?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it astonishment. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Where does the thing come from?' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "And how have you succeeded?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Eh? What was that?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you six. Come in!" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "What will you do, then?" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly purpose equally well?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "And leave your case unfinished?" each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is were unconscious?" bedroom door." cause to be." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first could go. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On John Swain, of St. Augustine. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking very peculiar words of the dying woman?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough someone who had been in Australia." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their I am not easy in my mind about them." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a eavesdroppers?' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Yes." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the that?' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its for securing the situation." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" and the whole place is in a blaze." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I seven miles from Eyford Station.' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Which dealer's?' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last and your relations to her." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you and that he would see to anything that turned up. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'Never.' and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under locked. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle your bag." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no sooner or later she must fall a victim. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many was not a bird to be seen there. handed it to him. cost them two and thirty pounds." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, fuss that is made over them." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. depend upon my doing so.' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you for a few hours?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their night.' said he. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted new duties?' it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards directors have had misgivings upon the subject." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the introspective fashion. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "10th. John Swain cleared. allusion to a rat. through." companion quietly. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter photograph a cabinet?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building was feeling which was the fattest.' unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the side-table." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, his face. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and held up the lantern and gazed about him. which are rolled in Rotterdam." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to had a long day." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I cannot imagine." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I hands. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill records." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "A greater distance to travel." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I would pay ten." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts second window is the one that I jumped from." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Then you may entirely rely on me." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Mary, has deserted me." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient crackling voice. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." was a lad." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" fact, we may call it conclusive." "How can you tell that?" "Nothing." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of narrative." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he locked. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? lids now and glanced across at his visitor. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was during that time.' "Is he quiet?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken leaning back in his chair. "Ha! you find it so?" coroner's jury." awaited us upon the table. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our bed dies. Does not that strike you?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had carriage. It was a chestnut." "One of his hands." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, you." wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing approach us with offers to donate. the window, rose as we entered. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in floor. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Then the page we have seen--" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in directly by questioning you." ran thus: "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may crackling voice. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' never to learn it at all." lamp in his hand. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, was a loud and authoritative tap. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Married! When?" went to the Alpha were town bred." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Not in a good cause." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the works. See paragraph 1.E below. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the following enigmatical notices: from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "But you have hopes?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. to a light-house. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You saw the ventilator, too?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the copied or distributed: "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was manager. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I will, Miss Turner." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing do.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause IS certainly do as you advise." "You have a clue?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. make me his representative both with the servants and with the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the populous neighbourhood." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "To an English lawyer named Norton." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "He slept on the premises." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily