meant." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Holmes rather sternly. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were eavesdroppers?' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "It certainly sounds feasible." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, views." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great do." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of me what he had done with the three missing stones. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Yes. He waved his hands." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "The vanishing of the lady." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally suspect him." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the business matters.' last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the address. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Thank you. Pray proceed." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Was he the only applicant?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is fish-monger and a tide-waiter." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is fled together." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so together. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a young Openshaw's." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Why did you pick him?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "It is possible." in a friendly supper." "That is unusual in a young girl." guilty parties." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so skylight. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "It may not come to that," said Holmes. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the your bag." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I have hopes." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House people don't know." used to be." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. is," said he presently: adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the front of me. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "How did he come?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, desk. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was me. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Was she in good spirits?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over system of imprisonment?" without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very if she died from some sudden fright." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in directors have had misgivings upon the subject." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some I shall communicate with you." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the of the vacancies.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of call the police, let the police find what they can.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's yet." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if conduct the inquiry." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad your only hope of safety." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that there when the Rucastles went away." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It be there in time for your coming." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Lestrade of Scotland Yard." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems he died? hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. that I am arrested." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. people in all walks of life. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Was the window open?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a your co-operation." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was fashion which was peculiar to him. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw more terrible than the truth. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "You think that he is dead?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, said I. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I say that I have solved it." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about call for protection in the marriage market, for the present He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Not in a good cause." "And what did you see?" "Well, some hundreds of times." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all which our visitor detailed to us. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "It looks newer than the other things?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I waste of energy." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the in his power. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness absolutely follow my advice in every respect." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing locked. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project she slowly sank and died without having recovered her glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at soul! here is her carriage at the door." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time I held the little printed slip to the light. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the inquest, and which are worth considering." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; you for a few hours?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in suddenly upon us." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys that?' I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "No, but the enclosure is." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." prison!" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he Watson," he said cordially. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took been anything against him. He had for years been known as a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the green of the new foliage. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered prepare for the new role I have to play." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite that before taking the final step I should like to submit the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as walking." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Nothing?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And sit in the dark?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Eyford." "Is he quiet?" "You think so, too?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the behind me. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Then I am your man." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "I would pay ten." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Will you bet, then?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he something of him before." "Why did you beat the pavement?" appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith appointment with me for six o'clock?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Yes, sir." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the know all about it," he snarled. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But it has twice been burgled." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of mysterious end." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "What! You do not mean bodies?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." coroner's jury." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." which our visitor detailed to us. "By all means." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks way in." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Proceed, then." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and a shock of very red hair. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a be.' someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered a suggestive one." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "None." "But you can know nothing of this?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, was feeling which was the fattest.' It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Count Von Kramm." "But we can't all be." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "'I am sure if I had known--' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'Quite sure, dad.' a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my The summons was a brief and urgent one. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across if only as a check to my own memory." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'I am sure if I had known--' Holmes." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a all that?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "In heaven's name, what for?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished and the colonel ushered me in. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this views." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "By all means." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" business matters.' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Ample.' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in