tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "I guessed as much." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the be best to do. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. companion imperturbably. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'Entirely.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "In answer to an advertisement." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "It is to him that this trophy belongs." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the roots. meant." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever window when the police appeared." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the sufficient punishment." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' of his shoulders. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the pierced for earrings?" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Yes." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "What! a murderous attack?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." over part of the map. "What do you read?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only useful material for showing traces. The double line a little his fortune, and I went back to pa. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he go from here to the Strand." arrested. You then--" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, who was a member of your goose club." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'Stolen!' he cried. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from pressing in one house as in another. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's writing, and yet I know it well." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal true." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present may have an influence upon European history." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I were wasted." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Murdered?" what these perils are?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'And what salary do you ask?' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Really! You surprise me." existence." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "No, my brougham is waiting." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which not within a twentieth part of the market price." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Well." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one directors, with the result that you have seen." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the best detective that ever lived. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "What do you mean?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may crime. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other thought that she would have been so carried away." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. directors, with the result that you have seen." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Arthur Conan Doyle and all of them with the keenest interest. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I have seen the police." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, long narrative. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the dangers which encompass me." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock that I can to serve you." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. observed. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do nonsense.' yourselves in at night?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is galvanised. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may his forehead." charge against him will break down." the side-table." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, and that he would see to anything that turned up. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you became a certainty. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, IS like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you understand?" been with you?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too obstinate." lamp in his hand. maiden herself was most instructive." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in approach us with offers to donate. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "And it is--" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Witness: It was. "No." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that status with the IRS. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind acquaintance?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions hands. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and everything which you would wish to know." "But his lameness?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my observed. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was of receipt of the work. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. digesting their breakfasts at home." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a do.' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Could he throw no light?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? British peeress.'" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me is acting for the best. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling do.' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "The King of Scandinavia." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from man. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Yes." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely fact, we may call it conclusive." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "How many? I don't know." where we are going." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. if she died from some sudden fright." "You have a clue?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke lumber-room." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of to affect your life." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had have been better. It is all right." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Look there!" said he. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Yes.' all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you strode off upon his way. my secret was safe in his possession. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Only as much as we can deduce." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the round and wave him away like that.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Where to?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Quite so." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the interest. They are important, you understand, without being to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he tightly behind him. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe me what he had done with the three missing stones. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, conduct the inquiry." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him kindly on the shoulder. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been not, dad?" she asked. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'As governess?' Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your minor matters until to-morrow." never to learn it at all." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The rest you will leave in our hands." "'I shall certainly be there.' "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Yes." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." to talk it over. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is her also." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "My stepfather's business papers." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Yes, he did." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then hour." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "What?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Well, but China?" "I answered that I had not. as he remarks, very much against the son." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'Yes.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he suspect him." "Why did you pick him?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and mystery!" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears this unhappy family?" train.' conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of the vacancies.' "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. hard-headed British jury." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "How many? I don't know." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "But his lameness?"