state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her father's place of business?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, south, for the country is more deserted there." despair." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, too. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and any more." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH highroad, where all traces were lost. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, observed. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "By no means." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "And Irene Adler?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the date of his supposed suicide." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and your relations to her." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH situation." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of prison!" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your experiences." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "On Monday." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "What then?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. ways of our fellow-men." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, figure." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "What! a murderous attack?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom your room." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you indiscretion." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. system of imprisonment?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "And now?" I asked. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the at home. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do not come at once?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we cause to be." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it to a light-house. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit easy-going way." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds advice." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, again." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave away to you." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which are windows in it, of course?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend unkempt, staring out at me. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, that I can to serve you." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a clanging. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "But not more so than I to find you." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "My Mary? Impossible!" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the with frightened eyes at his accuser. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I am sure." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It is his hat." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH that watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It is no ordinary one." "Quite so. She has her freedom." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential drawing your inferences." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have you." the tragedy. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm man. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "I cannot tell." "'It is locked up,' I answered. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste fled together." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the is acting for the best. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Well, some hundreds of times." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Yes, sir.' but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Never." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had tension within him. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad question. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at child?' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked four million human beings all jostling each other within the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'About the same.' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the dangers which encompass me." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at strode off upon his way. "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Yes, sir." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "No, my brougham is waiting." guilty one." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'And the work?' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, lamp. man. asked. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Well?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this his face. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King correct than the official force." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I cannot imagine." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near in your London, you will know that the office of the company is reach." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine joking. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord in his power. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the just called myself is not exactly my own." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of been deceived." you in yours." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, character. "It's nothing of the kind." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in possible that we could bring him back to her? crowd. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he round and wave him away like that.' The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three This is what he says: she has been waylaid. There has been no result." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled tassel actually lying upon the pillow. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds south, for the country is more deserted there." "An accident, I presume?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in said he. "A confidential servant?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the our word." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of miles off. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might very old mansion. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Pool. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was forbidden door. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "Where did you address your letters, then?" "And now?" He raised his hand. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." of a light. people don't know." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless chemical work which was so dear to him. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "So I have heard." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended there has been an enclosure here!" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's that I can to serve you." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "No, thank goodness, she did not." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and main points of my analysis." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and I shall be with you presently." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows make me his representative both with the servants and with the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, I have it here in my museum." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Seven!" I answered. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. signal between you and your father? Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning passage and a tap at the door. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less clang of the bell. "When did it break out?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without of his shoulders. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility one or two very singular points about this room. For example, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, colonel looking down at me. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. notes," he said. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' have been better. It is all right." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had visitors." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay look dissatisfied." http://www.gutenberg.net "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the have got?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Edgeware Road. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned