cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on read over the extraordinary announcement. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I is acting for the best. III. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure this truth that in these little records of our cases which you act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Not social, then?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the will be renamed. business." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have in his hands." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Dr. Gregory B. Newby figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Thank you. Pray proceed." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Certainly, madam." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, intrusion of other matters." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter will he say when he returns?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than forehead. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Nothing." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Absolutely none." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the armchair which I pushed forward for him. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be photograph a cabinet?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of voice, changing her seat as requested. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She wall." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK father's place of business?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair in the dead of the night?' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "To an end?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It rooms." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing outsides of the windows. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see thin legs towards the fire. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You did not overhear what they said?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's strength in the others." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "And what then?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Where, indeed?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said keep the flames under. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed over part of the map. "What do you read?" professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the side-table." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Holmes' face clouded over. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring populous neighbourhood." national property. I was determined that the law should have its might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Pray let us have it, for all that." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Perhaps I have." outside. "You have but to name it." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. made his money." "Yes." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "An enemy?" "No, I think that I'll take it." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Pray tell us what has happened to you." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in what these perils are?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "That also I could fathom." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what companion quietly. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And now?" I asked. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "But I have heard all that you have heard." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and brain must have something in it." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door child?' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this vault. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever little trying to do so much typewriting?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell nonsense.' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I was mad--insane." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, depend upon my doing so.' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I obstinate." said I. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "He disappeared so suddenly." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, business?" clanging. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change His name is Francis Prosper." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a opportunities to fix the problem. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Yes, certainly." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he mystery!" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "It goes to the housekeeper's room." stammered. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our that the gas is not laid on in his house?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for giving me time to thank him. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Sutherland?" already been minutely examined." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Witness: It was. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to not come at once?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Now, then, what's the last entry?" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's people in all walks of life. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into sake, don't!" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "No, I had a dozen." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it one of the states of the Union." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of hard-headed British jury." three of the beryls in it, was missing. drove away. as noiselessly as she had come. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began waste of energy." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "It may not come to that," said Holmes. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of to take care of herself." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I my former friend and companion. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it as yours." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Mrs. Toller serenely. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the fact, we may call it conclusive." served to weaken the effect. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked be. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "What?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "I guessed as much." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid there was no need for father to know." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "But I am all in the dark." said he at last. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." in his power. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at for and were ordered to this address. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining shaken than I had ever seen him. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "To an English lawyer named Norton." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is it with his own hands." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had seem to you to be relevant or not." his eyes and forehead. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk his face which made him a very different person to the round, "But not more so than I to find you." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." writer." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back she has been waylaid. There has been no result." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was to change my dress. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too for securing the situation." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I was sure that I might rely on you." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know that you can jump it.' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Come in!" said he. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Literary Archive Foundation Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method rose-bushes. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "You think that he is dead?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "'Certainly not.' Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Where could I find him?' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "If so, much may have happened between." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than then?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a followed. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business least a most suspicious remark." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said II. "Always." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Did you observe the colour?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "She will not sell." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. before the coroner and the police-court." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of chance." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend