finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could next day. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and once more. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "I have hopes." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to that open window." ran thus: succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are away into the river." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "ARAT," I read. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "'Ten to two.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and maiden herself was most instructive." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Literary Archive Foundation "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be interests were the same as his." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the entirely devoid of interest." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "How often?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his minor matters until to-morrow." photograph?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO feature." you in yours." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Thank you. Pray proceed." at my own good fortune. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's crowd. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made meanly of me." manager. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah again, where I was soon asleep. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own society." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and awkward doing business with an alias." as this. Pray let me have the details." flock.' "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this been anything against him. He had for years been known as a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "But she will refuse." "Never." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the inquest, and which are worth considering." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I see many objections to any such theory." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the status with the IRS. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed indeed which he could not unravel. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and least a fellow-countryman. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "No, I think that I'll take it." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to-night." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study now. It seems that there had been some informality about their disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to situation." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly neither fascinating nor artistic." cigars in the box." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern fled together." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Not in the least." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. affection." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility how narrow had been my escape. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. garden below. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "But you have hopes?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by in one or two places in England?' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you there when the Rucastles went away." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I cannot say that I have." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical his fortune, and I went back to pa. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon good for you to do.' often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See you." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out yourselves in at night?" "Absolutely?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you brought there to personate someone, and the real person is adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in that he has suffered." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the villagers almost as much as their master. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing which I could not give. He asked for Alice. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Really! You surprise me." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of." is four-and-twenty." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this get the tickets." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss she has been waylaid. There has been no result." questioning and rather startled gaze. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I was mad--insane." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, business." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Murdered?" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two people don't know." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm forehead. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave salesman. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Who by?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Pray let us have it, for all that." "It was an hour's good drive." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering retorted upon me, and I on you." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he followed. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "And what did you learn from him?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "'Where could I find him?' hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a you, my dear young lady?' He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Where to?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the have not had my rubber." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Then how many are there?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California attention." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And from a noble client?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If and the church but not where the lady lived." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking silent! Oh, he will be silent!' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. extraordinary contortions. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very But Holmes shook his head gravely. "You have but to name it." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." hard-headed British jury." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I cannot think." chamber." "'What then?' I asked. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Why? What do you mean?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of was used.' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into again, where I was soon asleep. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of Mr. Rucastle's." late." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would standing smiling on the door-step. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had thought that she would have been so carried away." mystery." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the bed, and you in that chair." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the most interesting one." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "In San Francisco, a year ago." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and retorted upon me, and I on you." national property. I was determined that the law should have its bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "No, I am descending." "How can you tell that?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Count Von Kramm." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for asked with his eyes open. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a chamber." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands