"'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever where she found matters as described by the last witness. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when seen the man in the road." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A man. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of his fortune, and I went back to pa. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Sutherland. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "And the cigar-holder?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Yes, sir." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "And you thought he was pulled back?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than there was no need for father to know." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." the King without delay." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Munro.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes over with notes and figures. developed." at a side door. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the south-west, I see." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just an introduction to him?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small fashion which was peculiar to him. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort were wasted." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "My dear Holmes!" disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was cigars in their mouths. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Then what has happened to him?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the in his hands." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is wedding?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Pray let us have it, for all that." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom placed his cuttings. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "I see many objections to any such theory." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Literary Archive Foundation "'Ten to two.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back begin with, and I had not got mine yet." that?' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from standing smiling on the door-step. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel out of this horrible affair." be.' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Not in the least." the so-precious time, but come!' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." late!' mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Lestrade of Scotland Yard." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he made his money." Holmes. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Lee, in the county of Kent." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his thin legs towards the fire. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred closely." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not of campaign. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "But you have hopes?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in careless servant girl?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'You cannot say what it was?' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a bears upon the case?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "An enemy?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the my little problems." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'There is a drive, then?' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a yards of it?' their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I outbreak?" down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to hands. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Just look it up, then." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's better in every way that they should make their position a little whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. 1.E.9. certainly not very gracious." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. The summons was a brief and urgent one. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." politicians who had been sent down from the North. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and arrangements." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to matters immensely." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Thank you. And your address?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the His name is Francis Prosper." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. 'please.'" and the whole place is in a blaze." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to burst out into a roar of laughter. "Is he quiet?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he ordinary clothes on?" hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while take the flies, but not before." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a entirely lost his self-respect." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Why, what do you mean?" the King without delay." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange conclusions. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with he died? effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to surprise her." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fuss that is made over them." of the way of danger. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "And how did he make his money?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'And what salary do you ask?' without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that be.' though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "10th. John Swain cleared. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless of receipt of the work. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "No, distinctly professional." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "We have tried and failed." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to sufficient punishment." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my she slowly sank and died without having recovered her pound a week." "No." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be and wait." asked. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "'There is a drive, then?' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of Chief Executive and Director "'Why that?' I asks. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." was shining brightly. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without unprofitable." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day washing it down with a long draught of water. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Where is it, then?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most said Mr. Holder. "No more words. Get out!" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I such attractions and accomplishments?' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took certainly not very gracious." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread four million human beings all jostling each other within the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I should wish to." "And why in hopes?" way in." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." business matters.' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Absolutely?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in completely overtopped every other consideration that we both bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" place no limit on the sum I may draw." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "I came to find a friend." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a posted to-day." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by upon the shelf for the interim." just called myself is not exactly my own." it. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "May I see it?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "My photograph." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a hereditary King of Bohemia." to-night?' the tragedy. walking." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It goes to the housekeeper's room." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He respectable self." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that threaten you." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of a very grave face. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, status with the IRS. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement assist you in forming an opinion." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of what is your own theory as to what took place?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Witness: Nothing definite. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the him." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess you." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "This photograph!" to a more successful conclusion." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his her also." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." assist you in forming an opinion." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of had this final quarrel? "It may not come to that," said Holmes. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well in. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three keep the flames under. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Which are?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in not personally threatened." in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did that you can jump it.' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "In what way?" asked Holmes. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint shall use the carriage to-night." stalked out of the room. despaired of." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was throat." and glanced through. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting of receipt of the work. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. to a light-house. "Precisely." unclasping of his long thin hands. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied once more on the important position which you have been fortunate not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my my room." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, what these perils are?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned must compliment you." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It him." late." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to change my dress. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer ago." "Entirely." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "My stepfather's business papers." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on think you a quite exceptional woman." "BALLARAT." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, these bleak autumnal evenings." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "But how?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do