he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Sholtos." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Did your wife hear all this?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when at once, for I have only half an hour." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? as noiselessly as she had come. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's or other trace. But how on earth--" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of least a fellow-countryman. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what been anything against him. He had for years been known as a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Always." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of strength." "And what then?" might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "You have a clue?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "To the police?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle which it had come upon my father." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted examine." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "It is possible." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down for and were ordered to this address. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. six. Come in!" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him such attractions and accomplishments?' "I cannot say that I have." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Frequently." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I fear not." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the charge against him will break down." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have mysterious end." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. criminal. We have already had experience of such." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "If I can be of use." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can lost his Christmas dinner." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could this as likely?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, the date of his supposed suicide." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers emerged. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson any." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the meant." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a records." of your young ladies.' His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three weary and pale-looking. other means.' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival I held the little printed slip to the light. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Street. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in lids now and glanced across at his visitor. which are rolled in Rotterdam." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every hair?' "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Stolen, then." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the armchair which I pushed forward for him. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable you." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." examine." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud matters immensely." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be washing it down with a long draught of water. possible that we could bring him back to her? events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize remarked. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from woman." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Again Holmes raved in the air. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the said I. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Nothing." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "What then?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, seen the man in the road." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always upon a handsome competence. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his invisible to me," I remarked. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the stable lane now." reach." "'Never,' said I. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad of the way of danger. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the driver. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Stolen!' he cried. "The vanishing of the lady." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced will find little credit to be gained out of this case." morning." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed for its centre. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "What then?" you?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been if only as a check to my own memory." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and that he would see to anything that turned up. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "My own seal." you?' went to the Alpha were town bred." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" was shining brightly. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Certainly, madam." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and wait." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "In answer to an advertisement." "He disappeared so suddenly." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from peculiar to him. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "How did he come?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who were unconscious?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to forebodings. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." so far?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to husband's writing, madam." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end in darkness. used to be." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'Stolen!' he cried. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Pray continue your narrative." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the questionable one." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Which dealer's?' was already answered. is now desirous of getting those letters back." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I upon the shelf for the interim." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing least a most suspicious remark." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "I am still in the dark." "There are none." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "My dear Holmes!" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife remarked. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as place of silver." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Yes." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He before the coroner and the police-court." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Perhaps we may make them less so." "About a month then." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the warnings." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a not personally threatened." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Arthur Conan Doyle sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a was feeling which was the fattest.' midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile his face which made him a very different person to the round, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying seven miles from Eyford Station.' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another hurried away. Again Holmes raved in the air. "'Yes.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out know that the truth is known." as he folded up the epistle. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "You horrify me." opened the door, and slipped through. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall when you have done it." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Sutherland. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the driver. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over anything to a woman, for she would have her way." stammered. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Where is it, then?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who suspect him." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that his knees, staring into the fire. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and peculiar to him. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Yes." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "And I." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. stepfather?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is it with his own hands." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain