"I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked an introduction to him?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" imbecility!" he cried. within hail.' read it out to me." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right once more to my work. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the front of me. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to generous with you in money matters.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, closely." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Why? What do you mean?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "You think that he is dead?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring light and attacked it." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to take care of herself." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his see a sister of mine apply for." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's made his money." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge not personally threatened." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said married her." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could tear off another piece?' the south-west, I see." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Game for a morning drive?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the fact, we may call it conclusive." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. name is different." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of at my remark. "'Where could I find him?' "How often?" in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. hand, madam?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a examine." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "But to whom?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of I held the little printed slip to the light. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, if I call to-morrow?" enter into my head. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two had a long day." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is learned something! Where are the gems?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned following enigmatical notices: watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "His face fell immediately. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "On your arm?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of if I call to-morrow?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It looks newer than the other things?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain gbnewby@pglaf.org "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' open." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre undoubtedly my uncle's." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Was there a secret marriage?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Yes." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said suddenly upon us." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Of what day?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I would give my fortune to have them back." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, think you a quite exceptional woman." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Because he was handy and would come cheap." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler murdered man." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in October 9, 1890. "ARAT," I read. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed investigation." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Holmes." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I was mad--insane." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes, it was twisted." papers on the sundial.'" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There absorbing." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Leadenhall Street--and--" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better you." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and writers could invent nothing more crude." next day. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "When did she vanish, then?" "Nothing." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the bed, and you in that chair." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down populous neighbourhood." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. obstinate." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as he folded up the epistle. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was one or two very singular points about this room. For example, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do were unconscious?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a with you?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'Certainly not.' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "That sounds a little paradoxical." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." noble correspondent could be. His name is Francis Prosper." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to charge against him will break down." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "What of the rat, then?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite such attractions and accomplishments?' "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a too. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "What then?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." been able to understand it, in a very few words. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'And what salary do you ask?' leave you to your papers for a little." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less his wife has ceased to love him." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done vanished into the darkness. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Have you good authority for what you say?" own family. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "What is it, then--a fire?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that I can to serve you." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "Whose house is it?" towards the blaze. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Ample." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I would pay ten." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. as this. Pray let me have the details." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "What is it, then--a fire?" "Thank you. And your address?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "By train from Waterloo." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did when your master had gone out." chance." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. beg that you will break it off." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "No, I had a dozen." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect what do you think they found in the pockets?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "It is a murder, then?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' present." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "It is possible." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had eat it." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "A greater distance to travel." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "The King of Scandinavia." "You have the photograph?" "'Yes.' good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and cigars in the box." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Why? What do you mean?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, your room." "That is not always so easy." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban his face. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door bedroom door." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I name is different." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are writers could invent nothing more crude." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the results." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my indeed which he could not unravel. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "And it is--" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me lips." I shall continue with my miserable story. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Pray do so." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had have had none more fantastic than this." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is again on its way. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the prepare for the new role I have to play." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the roots. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "But what is it you wish?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at in the dead of the night?' "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle questioning and rather startled gaze. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "We were both in the photograph." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated