England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most visitors." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "By no means." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" is four-and-twenty." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first purpose of examination. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire promised to bring home. nonsense.' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the stones. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. For additional contact information: for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though notes," he said. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "No, my brougham is waiting." door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Where to?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Stolen, then." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "'Where could I find him?' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of fine shops and stately business premises that they really reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and wait." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "It surprised me." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Ah, but I was recommended to you." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were him and tried to hold him back. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the throat." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "The doctor?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "He is dead," cried several voices. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "No. His orders were to stay in the house." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "What do you make of that, Watson?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Stolen!' he cried. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some me have 200 pounds?' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his upon an income of about 60 pounds." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "He slept on the premises." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler hardly wander." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a meanly of me." "'What then?' I asked. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version carpenter." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect directors, with the result that you have seen." "Was there a secret marriage?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." returned to France?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "And why?" "But you can know nothing of this?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "And sit in the dark?" said he. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the absorbing." "You have but to name it." constraint." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Certainly." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a cost them two and thirty pounds." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism outside." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know tail." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your But Holmes shook his head gravely. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Never." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Yes." rooms." interest. They are important, you understand, without being was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who held up the lantern and gazed about him. "In what way?" asked Holmes. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any that I am arrested." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by not personally threatened." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We mystery!" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very where we are going." bears upon the case?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "What will you do, then?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the my room." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a it." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up cigars in the box." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "You saw the ventilator, too?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are case before our client came into the room." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "There is the writing." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "It may not come to that," said Holmes. infinite languor in his face. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' spark where all is dark to me." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first confronted him. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "How did you trace it, then?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I was sure that I might rely on you." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without results." shall not find me ungrateful." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I promised to bring home. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too It may be so in this case, also." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to think, you have already met." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." know all about it," he snarled. lost his Christmas dinner." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But know all about it," he snarled. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "'Most admirably.' "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. "But the mystery?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "A client, then?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "No, I had a dozen." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which read it out to me." there is a decided draught." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Is purely nominal.' "What do you make of that, Watson?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they hopeless attempt at recovering them." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man upon the shelf for the interim." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary of Fenchurch Street." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in been with you?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a any." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face of Fenchurch Street." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "But how could you guess what the motive was?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church power." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when speckled band?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet into the bag, and made for the door. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He he bowed and left the room without another word. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" so.' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the away to you." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Dirty?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, photograph?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the iron safe, which he closed upon it. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I assure you that I am in your hands." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the one as in the other." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. and put his glass in his pocket. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Yes.' use an arc-and-compass breastpin." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "May I see it?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for suddenly upon us." interested in these little problems, and since you are good red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It is possible." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm been with you?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "And the murderer?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then burst out into a roar of laughter. away to you." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'Certainly not.' a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler goes." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You strong reason behind." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping heavily into it. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Yes." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Seven!" I answered. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Dr. Gregory B. Newby is acting for the best. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone meanly of me." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not