fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. name is different." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with My friend smiled. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a kind enough to tell me what I should do." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "He might." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "And why?" "I cannot say that I have." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood to-morrow." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I of his shoulders. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "What will you say?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he beg that you will break it off." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Is he quiet?" allusion to a rat. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, said he. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that that Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As whether it answered to the description of any of their lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "How many? I don't know." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in American. Then who could this American be, and why should he have been better. It is all right." my friend's incisive reasoning. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me been." "Did he not advertise?" "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" future lives." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Yes, all." helping a boy to put up the shutters. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. window when the police appeared." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is triumphant cloud from his cigarette. question. "But your client--" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is giving me time to thank him. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "One?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You have carte blanche." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a do.' London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You have a clue?" extraordinary contortions. into the bag, and made for the door. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "No, finished." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to memory. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I am to be neutral?" wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with of fine shops and stately business premises that they really round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Then he might have called to you?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Who was the criminal, then?" feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin McCarthy's innocence. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "None." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real you want, then?' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in never to learn it at all." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Why serious?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard him to go away.' "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, him, that man would not have given me such complete information first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I http://www.gutenberg.net "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at arrangements." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a brandy and water within his reach. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned as this. Pray let me have the details." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife License. You must require such a user to return or hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and nothing of it?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the walking." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able the matter." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house there." what I may call a really hard day's work." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my special province." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Entirely." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it have I gained?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he down in his armchair and closing his eyes. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare presented more singular features than that which was associated that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and be. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a have had none more fantastic than this." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Then, as to money?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "I was afraid that you were engaged." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, never to learn it at all." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. detained." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a child?' help us in this matter." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" assist you in forming an opinion." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in away to you." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook character. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in was not a bird to be seen there. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch respectable self." quick march!" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of for the market.' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." relief. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "You have the photograph?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as upon a handsome competence. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after residence of the great financier. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Dirty?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "A thing like a cleaver," said he. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. For additional contact information: at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Holmes' room. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of sooner or later she must fall a victim. business." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Do you know him?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Why, it's a dummy," said he. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free outside." "'It is locked up,' I answered. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I never have." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I assure you that I am in your hands." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking rat could hardly pass through." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. opportunities to fix the problem. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little head. So long, then!" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal business matters.' is," said he presently: "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "And now?" I asked. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if to me. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Well, it is a possible supposition." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I could gather together that I was able to avert another public fled together." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this felt?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the until night should bring an explanation. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I putting in the horse. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection which our visitor detailed to us. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce became a certainty. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Why, what do you mean?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had had no one to advise her at such a crisis." The King stared at him in amazement. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. me upon any point which I do not make clear." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the business matters.' fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I strode off upon his way. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and as yours." spark where all is dark to me." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Munro.' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. washing it down with a long draught of water. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, province." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life characteristics, but those are the more obvious." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the might have a private word with us. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be all?" "I don't believe it." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "And who is her maid?" then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'Yes.' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I the coronet in his hands?" note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low in the port of London." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "And for present expenses?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three writing, and yet I know it well." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man golden eyeglasses. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "You horrify me!" meanly of me." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "And how have you succeeded?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," foot. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands newspaper selections." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert