known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Young McCarthy must be got off, however." corner of the building. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted these bleak autumnal evenings." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been gives a meaning to it." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm locked. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, cost them two and thirty pounds." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of business?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs I leave." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "And you thought he was pulled back?" The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here said he. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "'Most admirably.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass charge against him will break down." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the walking." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern your Highness to the police-station?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham McCarthy's innocence. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'I have heard so.' yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Street. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away past. furiously. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon hurried away. with you?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Her father is very rich?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" desk. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. speckled band?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'Yes, sir.' and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' union?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'Never.' part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his some city in a dream. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen handed it to him. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. for securing the situation." "Texas, I think." shall not find me ungrateful." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired look dissatisfied." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached really the only notable feature about the thing." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you John Swain, of St. Augustine. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his occurred." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' The summons was a brief and urgent one. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish test if we have an answer to our advertisement." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered that you saw all that I did." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for again on its way. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat he died? the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these money should be paid at once.' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "You have a clue?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address my room." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather read it out to me." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has through." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without standing smiling on the door-step. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the voice, changing her seat as requested. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "What then?" valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Have you it here?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Where, then?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and directly by questioning you." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing disturbance in my wife." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right it." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with with the outside air!" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in new duties?' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the so-precious time, but come!' "They are typewritten," I remarked. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having you?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were works. late." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been away in different directions, and I went off to make my own returning from some small jollification and was making his way that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. the general public were present, then?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No here." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss your equipment. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Yesterday." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback will be renamed. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You in his hands." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my your billet.' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem was it brought him the coronet? I shall continue with my miserable story. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study the bed, and you in that chair." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Yes, it would be as well." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us was a loud and authoritative tap. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Sutherland. "'I am sure if I had known--' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and tell them apart.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "I beg pardon." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the fait accompli?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT and inquire as to the address." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "You are hungry," I remarked. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Well?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "What I expected to see." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of." business matters.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of bears upon the case?" retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "In San Francisco, a year ago." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "I am all attention, madam." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Yes." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I cannot tell." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Farm upon the left." "By no means." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "And what then?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'In my own bureau.' "But you can know nothing of this?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." for its centre. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Stoke Moran." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'Most admirably.' obstinate." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side one else, I think." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would passage and a tap at the door. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very meant." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet himself to hunt down. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, to-night." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America seem to you to be relevant or not." putting in the horse. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Your presence might be invaluable." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless not within a twentieth part of the market price." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he there in twenty minutes." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." with frightened eyes at his accuser. "But your client--" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, to me. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what fashion which was peculiar to him. "Yes, sir." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "His face fell immediately. "Dirty?" could go. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "You horrify me." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what key of the affair now." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Yes, sir.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "What?" "No, my brougham is waiting." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'Very good.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived writer." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had