was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at morning." Holmes." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "You are all wrong." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "'What do you call purely nominal?' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they man. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Then you may entirely rely on me." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Was there a secret marriage?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. chill to my heart. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the man. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. not within a twentieth part of the market price." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know 1.F. "What can it mean?" I gasped. our word." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at have an American origin." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'Yes, it was gone.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, he died? compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, shall use the carriage to-night." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to chambers. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have new duties?' works. See paragraph 1.E below. "But who is he?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There writers could invent nothing more crude." will he say when he returns?" compunction about shooting them down." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the acted in my house last night?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Why serious?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which weapon." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Dirty?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right writing, and yet I know it well." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Then I am your man." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sooner or later she must fall a victim. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And leave your case unfinished?" fear." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon lost nothing by them." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "What steps will you take?" I asked. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers must be when I saw the door open.' "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "My dear Holmes!" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most rat could hardly pass through." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I letters?" quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting recall any case within my experience which looked at the first she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Of Friday, June 19th." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business I nodded again. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were always that they were such commands as a lady might with For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the very morning of the wedding." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round instincts rose up against that laugh. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. unkempt, staring out at me. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." look upon these things in a different way." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the he. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Leadenhall Street--and--" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "My opinion is in no way altered." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know at a side door. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the south-west, I see." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be habit of advancing money.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, society." indeed happy." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn seem to you to be relevant or not." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "What is it?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" to that open window." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By without success. At last the little money which I had saved began male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "It's nothing of the kind." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this friends, not even his own brother. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of it with the greatest attention. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to served to weaken the effect. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' forehead. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Yes." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent tension within him. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't we went to search for him, face downward in a little "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine tell me that you intended to go into harness." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "How did you deduce the select?" tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Where did he live, then?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of I leave." sparkled upon his finger. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, take the flies, but not before." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. answered with a sidelong glance. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public to his chemical studies. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "ARAT," I read. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" spare." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "It came here." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Certainly." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man down. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually something of him before." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." chance." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "But what is it you wish?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "I should like to see him very much." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found are windows in it, of course?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Well?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I should be immensely obliged to you." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "It was an hour's good drive." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have all-comprehensive glances. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the Friday. Was it to be in church?" it right.' important." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes." "Precisely." "Not him." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, your equipment. "I say it is." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a figure." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "No, I am descending." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of not fit the lock." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal during that time.' suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." any." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he one which it was hard to resist. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, is acting for the best. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "On Monday." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black public press." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "How did you deduce the select?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "No, but the enclosure is." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "May I see it?" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his fuss that is made over them." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'You cannot say what it was?' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and nothing with him." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "At half-wages, in fact." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody hard-headed British jury." "That is possible." me." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Then he might have called to you?" invisible to me," I remarked. "'Yes, it was gone.' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There second window is the one that I jumped from." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different behind me. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up said he at last. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could