fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George was it brought him the coronet? Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is amused." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Leadenhall Street--and--" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the have got?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the coroner come to?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case all?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that if only as a check to my own memory." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a again on its way. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he I approached. to me. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H use an arc-and-compass breastpin." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a 11:15.' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "And sit in the dark?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I am armed." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "There are none." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Where does the thing come from?' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just to me. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Street. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side bell. Holmes whistled. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "And Irene Adler?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "What have you done?" asked Holmes. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my depend upon your compliance." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled present." "So I have heard." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of notes," he said. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third your own bird, so if you wish--" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Oh, yes, easily." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "By no means." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out not, dad?" she asked. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in him to go away.' my special province." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little visitors." "Precisely." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Well, but China?" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "That you are never beaten." but preventing her from injuring another. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "He slept on the premises." all that?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. so far?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his third from London." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'And what are they worth?' I asked. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the your bag." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, there!' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I like that before?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness such person." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the crime." direction." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Yes, sir." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "No?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Sholtos." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying My friend smiled. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Well." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as matters immensely." "Why did you beat the pavement?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Your presence might be invaluable." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "But to whom?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "One of the highest in England." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "And you can do nothing until then?" comes from the middle window." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything to his chemical studies. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that murdered man." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I away into the river." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. at once, for I have only half an hour." "How are you getting on?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried weapon." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "On your arm?" used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have was a loud and authoritative tap. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the chance at all." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight unprecedented a position." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I is a common subject for conversation. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." been." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "But how did you gain them?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk hair?' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "You don't mind breaking the law?" "No." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "You are certainly joking, Holmes." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here his cane at the bell-pull. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "It was an hour's good drive." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his conclusions. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, in his power. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" that you wished to speak to me?' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his villagers almost as much as their master. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." eat it." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "This photograph!" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, was keenly on my guard against him. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. stalked out of the room. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It see me here to avoid scandal." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Eh? What was that?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand one or two very singular points about this room. For example, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater into the room. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a true." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door During two years I have had three consultations and one small 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler asked. into the room. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Oh, no.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened imbecility!" he cried. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the taking in every detail of the apartment. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Only as much as we can deduce." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social had formerly been in part my own. until night should bring an explanation. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all the running down." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired friends, not even his own brother. you?' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from never to learn it at all." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which your bag." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant my room." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill redistribution. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'Yes, sir.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Well?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I out." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "What is it, then--a fire?" case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into stepfather?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no interested in these little problems, and since you are good time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. detective. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "At what time?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Where, then, is my wife?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips the dangers which encompass me." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever electronic works access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "And how in the world did you find them?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and glanced through. strong and stiff." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' them, and came down just as you departed. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange chair. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed his huge brown hands. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. like gravel from a pit.' of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Do you go out much in society?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to what is your own theory as to what took place?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly you understand?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom spark where all is dark to me." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered I. rose-bushes. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat good for you to do.' opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "So I have heard."