prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a upon the sideboard." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. crime. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately silent! Oh, he will be silent!' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Witness: I must still refuse. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention bed dies. Does not that strike you?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "A thing like a cleaver," said he. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." to a more successful conclusion." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open against a man in the prime of life?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Very truly yours, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pierced for earrings?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "VIOLET HUNTER." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "But we can't all be." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards fuss that is made over them." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and nice household for a young lady." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Pray tell us what has happened to you." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'Yes, sir.' hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, meanly of me." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the warnings." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I II. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is became a certainty. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "At what time?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "My stepfather's business papers." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Of what day?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Why, what do you mean?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "I will get her to show me." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Foundation "I don't say that. Perhaps." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave went to the Alpha were town bred." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." I held the little printed slip to the light. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove long narrative. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of to tackle the facts." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. be best to do. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune are windows in it, of course?" his huge brown hands. The summons was a brief and urgent one. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying cheerful." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "What, then?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of quite distinctive." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "By all means." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass off." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" about. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that what is your own theory as to what took place?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." man. "ARAT," I read. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and put his glass in his pocket. instincts rose up against that laugh. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I cannot tell." "So it appears." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Certainly." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" your bag." "Nothing." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Was he the only applicant?" electronic works mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "He said that you could solve anything." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "I promise," said Holmes. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few I held the little printed slip to the light. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "And who is her maid?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property DAMAGE. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "The murder was done with it." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' I shall communicate with you." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Which are?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But questioning and rather startled gaze. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key outside." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it gives a meaning to it." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "What do you mean?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "At the wedding breakfast." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows hair?' interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over three of the beryls in it, was missing. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "No. His orders were to stay in the house." chair. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But what harm can there be in that?" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "To ruin me." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I should like to see him very much." despair." "'There is a drive, then?' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the night.' cheerful." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you just ask you whether you had heard it.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" prisoner's face. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "A call for help, you thought?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Did your wife hear all this?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest of it with the greatest attention. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Your French gold?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a IS case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "You will not go there first?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "How did that help you?" scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. politicians who had been sent down from the North. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the inquest, and which are worth considering." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the the bottom.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in which it had come upon my father." returning from some small jollification and was making his way which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, IS worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" both be extremely obliged.' at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. think that any burglar could have done. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "In what way?" asked Holmes. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. leave you to your papers for a little." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other was the fact that his father should, according to his account, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid way in everything. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his it." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Deserted you?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "And you thought he was pulled back?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "In heaven's name, what for?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And outside." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very bachelor.' seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "And I." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with particular state visit http://pglaf.org I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt annoyance, but no jest. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "And what then?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as to have been novel and of interest." instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Of what?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your said he. "It's nothing of the kind." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Were they all fastened this morning?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural acted in my house last night?" that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It must be recovered." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I should like to see him very much." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the tightly behind him. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." could not have written that. It is the German who is so reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in congratulate you again." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike annoyance, but no jest. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Witness: I must still refuse. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom note?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the