of a light. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "And how did he make his money?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman with frightened eyes at his accuser. considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which daring than any effort of the imagination." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Precisely." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "To an end?" unprofitable." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Nothing." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich I have it here in my museum." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "He is still with you, I presume?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended have not had my rubber." "Why did you pick him?" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just or in danger--" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your writer." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor burst out into a roar of laughter. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right redistribution. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "You heard nothing yourself last night?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in yourselves in at night?" the date of his supposed suicide." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** showing my impatience. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "And Irene Adler?" but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings ways of our fellow-men." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then have been better. It is all right." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. of the one which your family is now devouring." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall held up the lantern and gazed about him. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into which I could not give. He asked for Alice. outsides of the windows. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved hardly wander." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is salesman. me upon any point which I do not make clear." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "That also I could fathom." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. bonnet, and went out." to-morrow." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? in a friendly supper." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already upon the sideboard." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case is four-and-twenty." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to like gravel from a pit.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, such attractions and accomplishments?' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. as this. Pray let me have the details." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for note?" said I. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to brandy and water within his reach. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three question," said Holmes, smiling. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella interested in these little problems, and since you are good "One?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Won't it ring?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & dear old homesteads?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Cross for the Continent." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been both be extremely obliged.' the devil!" Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying questionable one." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Yes." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the bottom.' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off outbreak?" words came to my lips. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon friends, not even his own brother. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Why, what do you mean?" next day. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It is very clear." 'please.'" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me tell him that I know him to be innocent." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your speckled band?" purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "No, thank goodness, she did not." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will companion. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention miles off. awkward doing business with an alias." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "What will you do, then?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was as noiselessly as she had come. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "You have but to name it." "Murdered?" police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw rat could hardly pass through." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, I think that I could be of assistance to you." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured like gravel from a pit.' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "My dear Holmes!" that you wished to speak to me?' "Your presence might be invaluable." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have examination of the premises, but without finding anything which covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with me upon any point which I do not make clear." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in narrative." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the best of training." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Nothing?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And from a noble client?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" spark where all is dark to me." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Texas, I think." imbecility!" he cried. the stable lane now." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to as this. Pray let me have the details." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Get out!" said he. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with for the market.' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said wanted for ourselves." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "No good news?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Nothing." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the heavily into it. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in indeed happy." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "No?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for when you have done it." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the how narrow had been my escape. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My once more. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "So I am. Very much so." are windows in it, of course?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. to have been novel and of interest." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' fashion which was peculiar to him. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see call for protection in the marriage market, for the present looking up at the numbers of the houses." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the may have an influence upon European history." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "And what did you learn from him?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "What will you do, then?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Breckinridge is his name." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you want, then?' the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "What do you mean?" with some details as to your case." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "That was it, sir." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "On the contrary, this is the right side." salesman. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover have had none more fantastic than this." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before key of the affair now." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "No." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying digesting their breakfasts at home." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I have a cab outside." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "May I see it?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "And the murderer?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for