street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." you for a few hours?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable directors have had misgivings upon the subject." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "What do you make of that, Watson?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, miles off. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right have accepted such a situation. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who a suggestive one." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. suspect him." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." narrative." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so into her hand at the door and which lured her within their child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded tell me that you intended to go into harness." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" character. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. you in yours." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to notes," he said. waste of energy." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Texas, I think." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of wall." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a them present such singular features as the strange train of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Ah!" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a chemical work which was so dear to him. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should in one or two places in England?' compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Holmes' thin, eager face. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "And your father? Did you tell him?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Leadenhall Street--and--" companion. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the other lovers by making love himself." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Where does the thing come from?' If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed points in connection with it which never have been, and probably there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and this man was intellectual?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'Certainly not. But why?' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "You horrify me." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were both be extremely obliged.' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days know all about it," he snarled. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious introspective fashion. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the to his chemical studies. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." ordinary clothes on?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "By all means." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No legal papers or certificates?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" open." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by the side-table." to a more successful conclusion." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "At the wedding breakfast." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. strong reason behind." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." of Mr. Rucastle's." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that unkempt, staring out at me. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining passage and a tap at the door. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace But Holmes shook his head gravely. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I me. You must get home instantly and act." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said most interesting one." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. it means?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and no precautions can guard against." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "How can you tell that?" journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." wall." "I will get her to show me." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for were new raised from a basin. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a highroad, where all traces were lost. "No?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Yes, I promise.' "None." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, again before evening." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. photograph?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." you." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Sutherland. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a hand, madam?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Deserted you?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Have you good authority for what you say?" or in danger--" page at http://pglaf.org who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Certainly." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm one of them." rose-bushes. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the have I gained?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It certainly sounds feasible." fear." relief. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I see many objections to any such theory." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the populous neighbourhood." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Countess of Morcar's?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yes." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to himself to tell his story. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came on re-entering her father's house?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I am following you closely," I answered. window when the police appeared." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the good for you to do.' were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Project Gutenberg-tm works. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main him and tried to hold him back. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope your room." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock assist you in forming an opinion." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has McCarthy." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Because he was handy and would come cheap." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view ordinary clothes on?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'Ample.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "How did he come?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and questioning and rather startled gaze. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little nonsense.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he http://www.gutenberg.net ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. you?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle this as likely?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution corner of the building. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was interest. They are important, you understand, without being "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we joking. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily your billet.' his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Why serious?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "You will not go there first?" may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "You have compromised yourself seriously." chance." "But what will you do?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, feature." soul! here is her carriage at the door." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go investigation." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope an introduction to him?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "How did you deduce the select?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for train.' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope you." to his chemical studies. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his gives a meaning to it." overpowering excitement and concern. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have out of this horrible affair." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Pool. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Was she in good spirits?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way of a light. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my crowd. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the inquest, and which are worth considering." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "In San Francisco, a year ago." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Entirely." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Farm upon the left." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" you, my dear young lady?' the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features acted in my house last night?" Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "No, distinctly professional." "Just look it up, then." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want light and attacked it." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder &