"The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Precisely so. But how--" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. wedding?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Have you good authority for what you say?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would one which it was hard to resist. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings bare slabs of marble. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight business?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he deduce something from that?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for Gutenberg-tm License. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means garden below. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. me. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that case-book, which he consulted. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, hand, madam?" know all about it," he snarled. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my before, for it was considerably after midnight. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "But not more so than I to find you." the matter?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from there has been an enclosure here!" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest dates and names. ran thus: "I beg pardon." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the loss of it. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Witness: It was. appointment with me for six o'clock?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'Quite sure, dad.' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the whereabouts. I leave." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the detained." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Did he not advertise?" undoubtedly my uncle's." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very said I. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause my little problems." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to paper in the air. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. despaired of." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There individual and becomes the badge of a society." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best until night should bring an explanation. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this lamp in his hand. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her back alive. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, room. there in twenty minutes." father's young wife. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, of them has the shutters up.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we here." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Why? What do you mean?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. there." evidence," I remarked. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "10th. John Swain cleared. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two purpose equally well?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland there in twenty minutes." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. were new raised from a basin. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and hurried away. comes from the middle window." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a without success. At last the little money which I had saved began upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the room while you explain this matter?" trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" shaken than I had ever seen him. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "My private note-paper." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "And leave your case unfinished?" "I have seen the police." must compliment you." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were as the one I chose?' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I he died? chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen Holmes' thin, eager face. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE morning." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'I shall certainly be there.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. acted in my house last night?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. neither fascinating nor artistic." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Ha! you find it so?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the Assizes." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. said I. foot. "And sit in the dark?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "But his left-handedness." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the miles off. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "And who is her maid?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in for the market.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your away in different directions, and I went off to make my own have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "It looks newer than the other things?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. who was a member of your goose club." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately McCarthy's innocence. "I should like to see him very much." "He said too much." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." be best to do. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is chill to my heart. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I am armed." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "10th. John Swain cleared. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to reach." the side-table." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the six. Come in!" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. from you?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "I am armed." morning." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to prisoner's face. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Entirely." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Not in the least." tension within him. believe that I should never have any practice at all. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. visitors." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the inquest, and which are worth considering." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that client, rising. society." a suggestive one." written, and locked the door of the office after me. annoyance, but no jest. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed over his head with a sweet womanly caress. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. into the room. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily IS no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked IS his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It is possible." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "You think so, too?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. have I gained?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' them present such singular features as the strange train of through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "And who is her maid?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the it with his own hands." not fit the lock." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he politicians who had been sent down from the North. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." occurred." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me lips." breakfast." copied or distributed: swore that no one else had been in the front room during the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Did he not advertise?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my business came to an end." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "But how could you guess what the motive was?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife take the flies, but not before." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Ample." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he events than those which have happened in my own family." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six money should be paid at once.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Have you her photograph?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have hereditary King of Bohemia." voice. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small friends, not even his own brother. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "By train from Waterloo." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life *** START: FULL LICENSE *** in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Well, some hundreds of times." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the this Miss Turner." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her had picked up in the wood. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my would apply.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my grasp, he hurried from the room. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Witness: I must still refuse. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to