donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate as he folded up the epistle. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' touch that coronet?' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "What then?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and colonel looking down at me. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. photograph?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'No, I know no one in these parts.' was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of whatever might befall. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I have seen the police." "Nothing?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some night.' said he. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be heavy and sharp instrument." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right over part of the map. "What do you read?" a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as really the only notable feature about the thing." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, gigantic client. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered you give your casting vote to?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I am all attention, madam." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "How often?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "But how?" "No." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man McCarthy's innocence. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Your presence might be invaluable." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham present." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in anything to do with the matter?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "How did he come?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point and wait." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Nothing?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' "My dear Holmes!" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He something of him before." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in you." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Yes, only one." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was habit of advancing money.' jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I should be so warm over such a trifle." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you?' over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "'About the same.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness again on its way. his face. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'There is a drive, then?' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the he bowed and left the room without another word. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, mysterious business." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "What! You do not mean bodies?" colour had been driven from his face. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss you do it in twenty minutes!' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the You want to know what became of those geese?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In him!" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some The King stared at him in amazement. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Count Von Kramm." "And the murderer?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'What do you call purely nominal?' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her pressing in one house as in another. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "But what will you do?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land very morning of my second wedding." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "On Monday." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "But what is it you wish?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian was once confined in the cab my mission was practically months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "What will you say?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further see me here to avoid scandal." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See was feeling which was the fattest.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think respectable self." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself village inn over there?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid said he. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for His name is Francis Prosper." prison!" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said little adventures." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third keep the flames under. hair?' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder writer." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. the so-precious time, but come!' such attractions and accomplishments?' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of ago." "How did he come?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he was already answered. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed pound a week." very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a a very grave face. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "I am to be neutral?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace late!' your only hope of safety." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "No." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' at once, for I have only half an hour." most interesting one." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "But how will you look?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in than was visible to me." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged from the brougham. "Was your sister dressed?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always might help us?" tell them apart.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of humiliation." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in said I. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "It is very clear." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Do you go out much in society?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." one's self under obligations.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, ready to-morrow?' "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt some terrible trap for her." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better meanly of me." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Then he might have called to you?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Nothing." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which advice." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." roused himself from his reverie. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Of Friday, June 19th." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "That is it on the dressing-table." "Yes, certainly." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It shadow pass over his face as I spoke. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded becomes even more simple." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of was feeling which was the fattest.' triumphant cloud from his cigarette. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You did not overhear what they said?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are intrusion of other matters." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, never came back." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "My dear Holmes!" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be undoubtedly my uncle's." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "And what then?" The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes asked. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and chill to my heart. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. know all about it," he snarled. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "That's no good." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as it right.' "Just look it up, then." least a fellow-countryman. one else, I think." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Stoke Moran." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner green of the new foliage. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the upon the sideboard." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I mysterious business." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just little adventures." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would note?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the child." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "I am to be neutral?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which in the hope of finding them." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to-morrow." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor this man was intellectual?" "And how?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Come in!" said Holmes. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last 11:15.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been