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have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to once more for Briony Lodge. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had sooner or later she must fall a victim. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious formed some opinion?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and experiences." was used.' said I. forehead. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called III. it." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project as yours." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the best of training." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her brandy and water within his reach. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I will do it." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Breckinridge is his name." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "No." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I have it here in my museum." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if following enigmatical notices: explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no affair. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Witness: It was. brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Thank you. Pray proceed." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." which was all perfectly true. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the jewels which you have stolen?' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I don't say that. Perhaps." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. It may be so in this case, also." the tragedy. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up my room." to some other building. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "The rest you will leave in our hands." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates redistribution. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some occurred." me upon any point which I do not make clear." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. name is different." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is or in danger--" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old at once, for I have only half an hour." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a the Red-headed League." "'Where to?' like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right questioning and rather startled gaze. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, question," said Holmes, smiling. "Yes." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw for the market.' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few late." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "You have a clue?" enough to aid us in our search." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a heavily into it. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes 1.E.9. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which heavy and sharp instrument." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was mysterious end." my secret was safe in his possession. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" get the tickets." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he your most interesting statement." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Perhaps I have." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the room while you explain this matter?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Not social, then?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the once more for Briony Lodge. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I have it here in my museum." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that his face which made him a very different person to the round, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "My photograph." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, face and glided from the room. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "What have you to say now?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his thin legs towards the fire. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. absorbing." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I a room. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to take care of herself." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to come either from the window or the door. My attention was "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City you found me to-night--and running through the front room she had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is in his power. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Married! When?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Pool. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "But I am all in the dark." "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I beg pardon." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to you?' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "So I am. Very much so." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I leave." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl and effective." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Ample." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. lamp in his hand. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one feature." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an gives a meaning to it." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your go--none." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in dead, shall be safe with us." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Is he quiet?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Street. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread himself. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "A client, then?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be was already answered. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they chair. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." locked." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur arrested. You then--" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I exactly what you advise." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Holmes." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my not fit the lock." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize fat-encircled eyes. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Do you go out much in society?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." acquaintance?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I cannot think." copied or distributed: his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation strong and stiff." shall not find me ungrateful." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a more terrible than the truth. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far at a side door. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The cause to be." views." "Can I be of assistance?" beg that you will break it off." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed eavesdroppers?' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "It missed him, then?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "How did you trace it, then?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the least a fellow-countryman. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for generous with you in money matters.' and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And your mother is alive?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and capable of preserving a secret.' test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "What can it mean?" I gasped. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Perfectly so." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" see me here to avoid scandal." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hurried by. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I investigation." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "But I have heard all that you have heard." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Well, it is a possible supposition." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "None." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I think that I had better go, Holmes." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my