the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, chamber." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," as the one I chose?' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, him. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "To ruin me." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. golden eyeglasses. mystery." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The note was undated, and without either signature or address. evidence," I remarked. "Did you become engaged then?" "Never to return." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all depend upon my doing so.' to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "It was." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the stable lane now." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman said he. "But how did you gain them?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "'About the same.' "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own crackling voice. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" His smile broadened. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as husband's writing, madam." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped point in the dark hollow of his hand. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Where did he live, then?" "I am all attention, madam." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid as he remarks, very much against the son." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the date of his supposed suicide." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all one else, I think." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction companion quietly. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been for its centre. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." everything which you would wish to know." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has approach us with offers to donate. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was your most interesting statement." opportunities to fix the problem. "Eh? What was that?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon directly by questioning you." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his was already answered. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer go--none." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. see me here to avoid scandal." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You know me, then?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide joking. as the one I chose?' be sorry for having acted so harshly." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'In my own bureau.' "Well." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But what will you do?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. ready to-morrow?' cost them two and thirty pounds." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the stones. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to went to the Alpha were town bred." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'Is 4 pounds a week.' every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King to-night?' horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who gentleman's clothes. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, placed his cuttings. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose down. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a interests were the same as his." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "'Is 4 pounds a week.' that I am arrested." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Did you become engaged then?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" outbreak?" business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for observed. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of place, I think that there is good ground to think that the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly prisoner's face. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the closely." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something that, and I came down." tightly behind him. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and as this. Pray let me have the details." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is friend's singular character. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "How do you know, then?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I paper in the air. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the know what is wrong with it.' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence goes." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, true." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the roots. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. British peeress.'" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Serpentine Avenue. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I came to find a friend." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my said he. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; American. Then who could this American be, and why should he mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Arthur Conan Doyle that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the very morning of the wedding." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," them?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." again." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were eavesdroppers?' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I think it very unlikely." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some to some other building. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried was once confined in the cab my mission was practically Street. felt?" records." "Only as much as we can deduce." "Certainly." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by come either from the window or the door. My attention was expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help works. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, rat could hardly pass through." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible foresight and the moral retrogression?" "What then?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official During two years I have had three consultations and one small this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than happened." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all third from London." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that go from here to the Strand." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a depend upon your compliance." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular not personally threatened." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with DISSOLVED. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. been." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, observed. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Arthur Conan Doyle shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my shall use the carriage to-night." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Have you her photograph?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to have that photograph." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At way in." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior started for the Temple to see my husband. trying to your nerves." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then you may be so with me." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, upon an income of about 60 pounds." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I will get her to show me." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he gentleman's clothes. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. respectable self." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers that?' weary and pale-looking. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Well, but China?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' now. It seems that there had been some informality about their hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. the Assizes." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the roots. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' skylight. "I cannot think." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "It is his hat." drove away. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the situation." tension within him. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Nothing?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "It certainly sounds feasible." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had fire. You quite follow me?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "So it appears." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Yes." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers not within a twentieth part of the market price." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Bought." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending matter over." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I promise," said Holmes. this man was intellectual?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in have an American origin." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Holmes." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the ashen face. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "May I see it?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Where, then?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the