assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab memory. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you sufficient punishment." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a yourselves in at night?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and bonnet, and went out." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Pool. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that chamber." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me against a man in the prime of life?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, experiences." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To any." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I would give my fortune to have them back." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a six. Come in!" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. have one." which our visitor detailed to us. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my must be when I saw the door open.' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. look upon these things in a different way." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of infinite languor in his face. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he morning." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could his huge brown hands. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you beg that you will break it off." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down good-night and bustled off upon her way. "But what will you do?" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Perfectly so." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a and a shock of very red hair. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he be sorry for having acted so harshly." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and http://www.gutenberg.net people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "None." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had desk. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon business." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "And Irene Adler?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I assure you that I am in your hands." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the stones. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the nursery. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and only touch the interest." be.' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and you?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his flock.' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you whereabouts. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Your presence might be invaluable." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Never." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you of Fenchurch Street." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the better grown goose." do.' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "But you would not advise me to refuse?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Nothing." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project any." "I cannot tell." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I advice." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. habit of advancing money.' "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "It is no ordinary one." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Entirely." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the McCarthy's innocence. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You good-night and bustled off upon her way. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent your sleep?' "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are late." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I have a cab outside." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "And on what day did he meet his death?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his American. Then who could this American be, and why should he he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You will not go there first?" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried congratulate you again." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' throat." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "It came here." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "You are hungry," I remarked. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Project Gutenberg-tm works. "How do you know, then?" extraordinary contortions. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "But the mystery?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Do you receive much company?" he asked. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "I say it is." chamber." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Nearly eleven." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has least a fellow-countryman. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part simple cases which are so extremely difficult." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential a monotonous occupation." upon the white wrist. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. carried out of court." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had an introduction to him?" Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is than was visible to me." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Certainly." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid thought that she would have been so carried away." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Married! When?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off noise which awoke you from your sleep?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the eavesdroppers?' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a six. Come in!" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I cannot tell." neither fascinating nor artistic." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, off." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "But how will you look?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Yesterday." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "You think so, too?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a it. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the loss of it. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind we went to search for him, face downward in a little learned something! Where are the gems?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Yes, it would be as well." jewels which you have stolen?' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There colour had been driven from his face. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "By no means." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Oh, the cause is excellent!" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "A thing like a cleaver," said he. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "But how could you guess what the motive was?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a their singular warning or token before them when starting upon With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'You cannot say what it was?' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and outbreak?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after late." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had stepfather?" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and all of them with the keenest interest. what is your own theory as to what took place?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just asked. in his power. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Do you go out much in society?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent that you can jump it.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of the vacancies.' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into Gutenberg-tm License. matter." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "None." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Did you become engaged then?" "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Proceed, then." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "It is solved." "Nothing." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how before the coroner and the police-court." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined business?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole fuss that is made over them." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to would then never go into court at all." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." hand, madam?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this very old mansion. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to was it brought him the coronet? "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Pope's Court, Fleet Street." she used." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black