walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. companion imperturbably. "How did you deduce the select?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social *** START: FULL LICENSE *** had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "No." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work bird of prey. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is there." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I say that I have solved it." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was hour." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the when you have done it." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you washing it down with a long draught of water. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the so-precious time, but come!' had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. of the vacancies.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing DAMAGE. "10th. John Swain cleared. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked be best to do. "That is easily got." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards emerged. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted there were so many in the whole country as were brought together his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the paper in the air. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the loss of it. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase amused." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the it." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'Where to?' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes retorted upon me, and I on you." "I was afraid that you were engaged." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came absorbing." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Was your sister dressed?" conceal it?" 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks individual and becomes the badge of a society." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I think that it is very probable." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime third from London." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'And the work?' open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. face and glided from the room. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What against a man in the prime of life?" "'Certainly,' I answered. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to certainly not very gracious." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of your young ladies.' defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. both be extremely obliged.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all pressing in one house as in another. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to again on its way. the devil!" of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small himself in a perplexing position. Arthur Conan Doyle "'What do you call purely nominal?' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to have been novel and of interest." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, gentleman's clothes. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a make me his representative both with the servants and with the hurried by. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" my little problems." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "It is a murder, then?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the question. appeared upon the scene." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of three fields round his house, and there he would take his down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom official police." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his which are rolled in Rotterdam." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, himself to hunt down. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': have not had my rubber." "Yes." "You have compromised yourself seriously." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction back into the street. "What, then?" Again Holmes raved in the air. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Only as much as we can deduce." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and morning." way in." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather very morning of my second wedding." vault. "Quite so. She has her freedom." the room while you explain this matter?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as mysterious end." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he golden eyeglasses. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then I am your man." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who definite end. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "What then?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do instincts rose up against that laugh. "I will get her to show me." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention assist you in forming an opinion." it means?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Yes, it was twisted." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Not him." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience stepfather?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, handed it to him. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their think that he is innocent?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon when you have done it." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I written. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "The murder was done with it." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small 'please.'" train.' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'There is a drive, then?' one which it was hard to resist. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Deserted you?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire at my own good fortune. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to surprise her." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps important." notes," he said. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to affect your life." nonsense.' there when the Rucastles went away." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited window when the police appeared." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "I was mad--insane." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what disturbance in my wife." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction could not have written that. It is the German who is so thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for went to the Alpha were town bred." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging most interesting one." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I cannot tell." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds particular state visit http://pglaf.org of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I was sure that I might rely on you." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I am still in the dark." all that?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in breakfast." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'Stolen!' he cried. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'What do you call purely nominal?' thin legs towards the fire. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it foot. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "But what will you do?" when your master had gone out." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as intimate personal affairs in this public manner." true." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the nonsense.' sooner or later she must fall a victim. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Have you her photograph?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "And now?" He raised his hand. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for families. Now for the facts. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the my special province." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united begun to whiten, even as mine has." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "My Mary? Impossible!" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the window, rose as we entered. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked thin, with a long, sharp nose?" been deceived." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white a suggestive one." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You have compromised yourself seriously." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of definite end. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his my room." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a with the outside air!" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in this way: material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as your only hope of safety." "Oh, fresh and glossy." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. beg that you will break it off." garden below. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, opened the door, and slipped through. never will be, entirely cleared up. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, written, and locked the door of the office after me. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, true." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: geese which you supplied to the Alpha." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be vanished into the darkness. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's bedroom door." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is she might be summoned. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Very truly yours, there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a his knees, staring into the fire. "'Most admirably.' a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "In the cells." back alive. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the