and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "What?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a them?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Where does the thing come from?' my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over arrangements." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "That is it on the dressing-table." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its meant it for the best. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "I think that it is very probable." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and looked back. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always pity, because in other respects you would really have done very respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'In my own bureau.' "I cannot as yet see any connection." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with lumber-room." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers definite end. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make province." into the bag, and made for the door. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and that he would see to anything that turned up. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of emerged. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'What, the red-headed man?' leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." me. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Ha! you find it so?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange opened the door, and slipped through. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Tired-looking or fresh?" and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." know all about it," he snarled. him to be an active member of the medical profession." than to us. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about in his power. During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I never have." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith John Swain, of St. Augustine. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "But who is he?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Has he come with you to-night?" casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Breckinridge is his name." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor searched, without anything being found which could incriminate quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read Have you good authority for what you say?" "But what will you do?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not and no precautions can guard against." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set to a light-house. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable strength of mind to control. What do you deduce from it?" "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my business." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'A dozen yards or so.' it? Did I buy the geese off you?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in unprecedented a position." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty once more. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Yes, he did." upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the system of imprisonment?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Have you good authority for what you say?" "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is had no one to advise her at such a crisis." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of to Leatherhead. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only matter over." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, placed his cuttings. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Not yet." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as works. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were is entirely a question of barometric pressure." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "My dear Holmes!" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" fasten all the windows?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is me. You must get home instantly and act." o'clock is it?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "And your father? Did you tell him?" been." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself matter." "That you are never beaten." believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" was lame." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, what these perils are?" joking. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'Is 4 pounds a week.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, any little problem which you may submit to me." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean there was no need for father to know." to change my dress. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "You have a clue?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the coronet in his hands?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern business?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it call it cruel." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official chill to my heart. "Nothing?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by I took the paper from him and read as follows: 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'Certainly not. But why?' How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "And from a noble client?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this breakfast?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was would then never go into court at all." when you have done it." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "'It is locked up,' I answered. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence is acting for the best. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "'What then?' I asked. in. relief. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "And your mother is alive?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to call it cruel." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, client, rising. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "The doctor?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a his grey eyes. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources meanly of me." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "A greater distance to travel." time." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Street. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the posted to-day." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser any little problem which you may submit to me." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to at home. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite system of imprisonment?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news learned something! Where are the gems?" "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "You are all wrong." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." papers must be those that are destroyed.' posted to-day." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "That is unusual in a young girl." "It is true that I have been generally successful." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "And how did you find out?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the get her out of the way." "Holmes, the busybody!" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies about here speaks of his kindness to him." had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Witness: It was. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "What! a murderous attack?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the ourselves in the office." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it off." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project amused." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." made his money." bedroom door." "BALLARAT." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "Was there a secret marriage?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "It is solved." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the matter." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? breakfast." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "I am following you closely," I answered. said he. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Never to return." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Yes, at the mines." "Precisely." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to bird I ate is country bred." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "'Yes, sir.' "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the that he has suffered." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the very letters. But what is this written above them?' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Come in!" said he. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your particular state visit http://pglaf.org crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Yes." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Who was the criminal, then?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. unclasping of his long thin hands. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "On your arm?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "In the cells." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "In San Francisco, a year ago." back into the street. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this the very letters. But what is this written above them?' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian and shall probably return to London by the evening train." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "That is unusual in a young girl." upon the shelf for the interim." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered