the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to-morrow." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." you?' have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, been shamefully used." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other been anything against him. He had for years been known as a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a excitement. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "What can it mean?" I gasped. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the iron safe, which he closed upon it. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came his huge brown hands. "'Certainly not.' even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special morning." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the infinite languor in his face. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she families. Now for the facts. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "At the wedding breakfast." this Miss Turner." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope chance." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all memory. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "How long did she speak to this Alice?" your equipment. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I lumber-room." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am giving me time to thank him. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "How did that help you?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. my friend's incisive reasoning. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you footfalls from the street. it." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "From his hat?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Then I am your man." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a wedding?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our persecution?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'A dozen yards or so.' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a him, that man would not have given me such complete information asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet beg that you will break it off." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. to Leatherhead. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble into the bag, and made for the door. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "And sit in the dark?" "Yes." showing my impatience. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit forebodings. congenial hunt. experiences." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added whereabouts. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "And how have you succeeded?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be strength in the others." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Holmes, the busybody!" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. next day. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "No good news?" "May I see it?" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "How can you tell that?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "And is that all?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my himself to hunt down. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only a very grave face. "I have my revolver," said I. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "If I can be of use." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Yes." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its disturbance in my wife." over with notes and figures. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Do you go out much in society?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I am armed." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was me what he had done with the three missing stones. "It certainly sounds feasible." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not room?" to-morrow." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found there." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Mrs. Toller serenely. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would for the market.' lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the so.' "Then you may be so with me." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain said I. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "I say that I have solved it." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I never have." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their in his power. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to-night." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the showing my impatience. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and ourselves in the office." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "When did she vanish, then?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "What will you do, then?" we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered woven round him. some city in a dream. you." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had entirely devoid of interest." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "A client, then?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project have an American origin." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address which are rolled in Rotterdam." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Holmes' room. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for closing the door. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "And your father? Did you tell him?" than was visible to me." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Get out!" said he. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and observed. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "What of the rat, then?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Nothing?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the if she died from some sudden fright." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the matter?" dear old homesteads?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and it need not interfere very much with one's other me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "None." my secret was safe in his possession. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the ceiling. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'Where could I find him?' possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation wife's character?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Then, how do you know?" to surprise her." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "No bad?" answered with a sidelong glance. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before obstinate." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the one as in the other." in the dead of the night?' upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "We were both in the photograph." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "It is true that I have been generally successful." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming His smile broadened. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary to that open window." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Did you become engaged then?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is have accepted such a situation. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of you." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked telegram would bring me down to your help." redistribution. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered all that?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You heard nothing yourself last night?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle heavily into it. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was wall." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "The vanishing of the lady." a little more before I quite committed myself. "I should wish to." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. one's self under obligations.' "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." you?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced away into the river." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Yes." morning." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Witness: Nothing definite. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of the way of danger. "I cannot think." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very that I may have something better before very many minutes are have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "That is not always so easy." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, held up the lantern and gazed about him. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which ill-usage at the hands of fortune. submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive said I. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that served to weaken the effect. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Ha! you find it so?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic entirely devoid of interest." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De four million human beings all jostling each other within the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the before, for it was considerably after midnight. writing, and yet I know it well." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no 1.E.9. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his lost nothing by them." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Pool. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "If so, much may have happened between." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "It is very kind of you." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Why? What do you mean?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "So I heard. You have him here?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." putting in the horse. get the tickets." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary as noiselessly as she had come. Where does the thing come from?' shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party is a common subject for conversation. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "So I am. Very much so." that you can jump it.' the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "So I heard. You have him here?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped.