their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant with the outside air!" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ways of our fellow-men." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Miss Holder?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Holmes." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I have seen the police." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "No sign of it?" chambers. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "But of what society?" Clair, of Lee." arrested. You then--" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of maid will bring up your coffee." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Come in!" said he. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "You will not go there first?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'There is a drive, then?' We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend floor. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Deserted you?" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the mysterious end." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in which was all perfectly true. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "No good news?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy charge against him will break down." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "No bad?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet habit of advancing money.' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I am in hopes that she does." "'I shall certainly be there.' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE matter over." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "'In my own bureau.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the nothing with him." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my are, and they are waiting for us." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a results." DISSOLVED. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding morning." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole highroad, where all traces were lost. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. clanging. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on villagers almost as much as their master. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards acquaintance?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with events than those which have happened in my own family." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Who was the criminal, then?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I shall be delighted." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version together. John Swain, of St. Augustine. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "We must have a cab." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable tell me that you intended to go into harness." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Yes." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Sutherland. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out said he. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I have a cab outside." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, obstinate." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes it." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "No." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at me, and I could not think that his explanation of the could gather together that I was able to avert another public Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that I may have something better before very many minutes are Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the warnings." out of this horrible affair." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I of Mr. Rucastle's." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, crime." made his money." extraordinary contortions. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "We have tried and failed." six. Come in!" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' may have an influence upon European history." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our danger is over." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, retorted upon me, and I on you." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "One horse?" interjected Holmes. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" indeed happy." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" in the hope of finding them." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "A greater distance to travel." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or companion. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, said I. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Dr. Gregory B. Newby forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "'Certainly not.' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' in. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." matter." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the crime. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Then what has happened to him?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." comes from the middle window." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you married her." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the not as remarkable as your advertisement." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a astonishment. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Thank you. Pray proceed." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it article?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Was the window open?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a despaired of." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the devil!" "None." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "You have a clue?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small carried out of court." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, comes from the middle window." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of campaign. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. people don't know." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "You horrify me!" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Who by?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that to some other building. he bowed and left the room without another word. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much digesting their breakfasts at home." second." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Oh, fresh and glossy." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "I am all attention, madam." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought girl said." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately be there in time for your coming." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Nothing." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his then?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The behind me. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your that he has suffered." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father held up the lantern and gazed about him. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Why, what do you mean?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main rat could hardly pass through." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had infinite languor in his face. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Yes." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes trying to your nerves." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from carriage. It was a chestnut." "How can you tell that?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Yes, certainly." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong key of the affair now." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with to miss it." he died? read over the extraordinary announcement. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and a shock of very red hair. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused upon the sideboard." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the bed, and you in that chair." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and all of them with the keenest interest. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant copied or distributed: need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Not I." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a Holmes rather sternly. best detective that ever lived. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the door?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." in his hands." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Entirely." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I have hopes." "We have tried and failed." only touch the interest." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I promise," said Holmes. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered empty. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. appeared upon the scene." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" felt?" rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be it." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "On your arm?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "I should like to see him very much." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it forebodings. "Tired-looking or fresh?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there bachelor.' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Then how many are there?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the stones. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout considering the formidable letters which were received by himself I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of which we had just quitted. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from both be extremely obliged.'