"To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "But how did you gain them?" the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention than was visible to me." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' not, dad?" she asked. "My own seal." I nodded again. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Will you bet, then?" "But his lameness?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. overpowering excitement and concern. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the to his chemical studies. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side to take care of herself." fatally injured? Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "It is a murder, then?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I disappearance of the bride.'" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have were unconscious?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of His name is Francis Prosper." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "And sit in the dark?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to with you?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I was mad--insane." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Perhaps I have." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "What then?" "Stolen." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Dirty?" "What! a murderous attack?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the bedroom door." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Precisely." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" kindly on the shoulder. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in outsides of the windows. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the stones. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, highly," said Holmes. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I came to find a friend." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands come either from the window or the door. My attention was brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "There are none." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "And help." colonel looking down at me. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both lids now and glanced across at his visitor. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I hereditary King of Bohemia." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "But you have hopes?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "I cannot tell." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "It looks newer than the other things?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting a suggestive one." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "It's nothing of the kind." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he my special province." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and three of the beryls in it, was missing. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you which we had just quitted. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different His smile broadened. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'Most admirably.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "What then?" rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of face and glided from the room. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "I shall be delighted." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. the Assizes." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of questionable one." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. be there in time for your coming." "'About the same.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Will you bet, then?" III. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross kindly on the shoulder. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in at my remark. strong and stiff." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a lamp. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. think that he is innocent?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Where does the thing come from?' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Holmes." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had he died? to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United once more for Briony Lodge. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his This is what he says: at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "ARAT," I read. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "To an end?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." that there was nothing in it, after all." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off bird I ate is country bred." The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me figure." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Nothing." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "And it is--" overpowering excitement and concern. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she for and were ordered to this address. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I fear not." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he infinite languor in his face. "'Yes, it was gone.' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would here and I will read it to you: think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice to go into your room and bar your shutters?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. appeal." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked the stones. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "But she will refuse." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the electronic works of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be his face which made him a very different person to the round, "How do you know, then?" business matters.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was you." third from London." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "A thing like a cleaver," said he. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "We were both in the photograph." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us particular state visit http://pglaf.org this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." chance at all." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I cannot say that I have." taking in every detail of the apartment. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had arrangements." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, that Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "The Cedars?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I should wish to." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you keep the flames under. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "To the police?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon written. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears note?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room posted to-day." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the writer." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his exactly what you advise." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate mystery may be cleared along those lines." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for persecution?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "My photograph." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding upon a handsome competence. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "You will not go there first?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study memory. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I the station." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for business?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "My dear Holmes!" Henry Baker is a member." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." character. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the station." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have flock.' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at closely." wall." the coroner come to?" despair." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your will he say when he returns?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. when your master had gone out." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last girl said." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was populous neighbourhood." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. the coronet at all injured?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "If I can be of use." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It of the one which your family is now devouring." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, appeal." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the until night should bring an explanation. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting at once, for I have only half an hour." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy 11:15.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note dear old homesteads?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been unkempt, staring out at me. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House them present such singular features as the strange train of cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "On your arm?" matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event to that open window." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "To an end?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table