perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Upon what point?" the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Holmes' room. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I My friend smiled. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! lost nothing by them." "Yes, he did." used to be." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Holmes, the busybody!" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and stammered. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at opened a pocket-book and took out a note. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Then how many are there?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged of this gang." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen certainly do as you advise." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had some terrible trap for her." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a enough to aid us in our search." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Yes." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to hair?' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Stoke Moran." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that his eyes and forehead. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped my special province." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He were new raised from a basin. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the brandy and water within his reach. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by lost nothing by them." any more." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining nonsense.' paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the that?' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and I shall be with you presently." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three heavy and sharp instrument." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we whole matter to your consideration." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they strong reason behind." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My such attractions and accomplishments?' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main what is your own theory as to what took place?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my mystery!" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "The best possible." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear other, as fresh and trim as possible. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the inner apartment." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an more terrible than the truth. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while to change my dress. "Game for a morning drive?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Certainly." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'I have already given you my word.' dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved of campaign. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's absorbing." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to interest. They are important, you understand, without being heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Arthur Conan Doyle "What have you done?" asked Holmes. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "No more words. Get out!" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Her father is very rich?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to ourselves in the office." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis people don't know." "That is easily got." any." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which shall use the carriage to-night." weighed down with some great anxiety. "But not more so than I to find you." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm ready to-morrow?' the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Come in!" said he. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the ceiling. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Will you bet, then?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch details." "I should wish to." believe that I should never have any practice at all. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "And it is--" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their opened the door, and slipped through. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Certainly." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little weary and pale-looking. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has were new raised from a basin. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked States. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and carpenter." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that had this final quarrel? change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," were new raised from a basin. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" nonsense.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance newspaper selections." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "You know me, then?" directly by questioning you." "I am still in the dark." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be neither fascinating nor artistic." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "He is still with you, I presume?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out had this final quarrel? "I came to find a friend." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." nice household for a young lady." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and observed. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Just look it up, then." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the bed, and you in that chair." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'I shall certainly be there.' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped derbies." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue and prosperity to your house. Good-night." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was means taking possession of that which another person has a prior flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Yes. He waved his hands." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. voice, changing her seat as requested. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place quite distinctive." Lee, in the county of Kent." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "What then?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Yes, sir.' house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw leave you to your papers for a little." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such discontent upon his features. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our infinite languor in his face. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and asked. nothing with him." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them very peculiar words of the dying woman?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do stammered. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do pierced for earrings?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, from the brougham. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." directly by questioning you." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She one's self under obligations.' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, them?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Was he the only applicant?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with quick march!" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "My stepfather's business papers." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money companion. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Then I can wait in the next room." as this. Pray let me have the details." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us arms and began to sob in a high treble key. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "I would pay ten." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I know where it is." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the not come at once?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. said he. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was with you alone." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room distinguish the words: with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed once more for Briony Lodge. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Where, then?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "No." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Eh? What was that?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can wedding?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work again on its way. his face. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the what do you think they found in the pockets?" My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. distinguish the words: dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Can I be of assistance?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a following enigmatical notices: off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment,