so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. you want, then?' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing became a certainty. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Yes, all." there is a decided draught." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." in a friendly supper." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age know all about it," he snarled. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret mystery!" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. over his head with a sweet womanly caress. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." flock.' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was papers on the sundial.'" "Only as much as we can deduce." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Not yet." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been forbidden door. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Was the window open?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us the stable lane now." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It strength." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Yes." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Where, then, is my wife?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the running down." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." time." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in my life." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I writer." "Yes, sir." "Why did you pick him?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in his cane at the bell-pull. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." enter Dr. Roylott's room." shoulder; "he's all right." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and all of them with the keenest interest. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "'Where could I find him?' Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "She told me to ask you." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so London for the present?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they useful material for showing traces. The double line a little down from London to inquire more deeply into it." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know kind enough to tell me what I should do." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a opportunities to fix the problem. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I say it is." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the lost nothing by them." indeed which he could not unravel. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for minor matters until to-morrow." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, rooms." wanted for ourselves." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace drawing your inferences." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, them, and came down just as you departed. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative nothing of it?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat young Openshaw's." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, at my remark. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. was already answered. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee views." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to my friend's incisive reasoning. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." ago." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Cross for the Continent." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "And you thought he was pulled back?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa not use it unless it is absolutely needed." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'As governess?' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "You have carte blanche." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'Yes.' in this note: "Murdered?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. dramatic, in fact." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Ha! you find it so?" destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an narrative." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to think that any burglar could have done. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "And Miss Sutherland?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Frequently." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Count Von Kramm." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure words came to my lips. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Very. But will he see it?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a some terrible trap for her." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I saw her in conversation with her maid." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by green of the new foliage. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I cannot imagine." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of this gang." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in his hands." are, I think, all that we need." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham his knees, staring into the fire. always that they were such commands as a lady might with held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred been anything against him. He had for years been known as a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. late." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the made him keep the appointment." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They and that he would see to anything that turned up. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. round with crates and massive boxes. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Did he not advertise?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "What are they?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Stolen." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such his forehead." "I cannot tell." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "But how could you guess what the motive was?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a depend upon my doing so.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'Ten to two.' some city in a dream. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Yes?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he sit on the left-hand side of the driver." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the in the hope of finding them." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the signal between you and your father? "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Where, indeed?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" shoulder. "Certainly." is worth.' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian down. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "'There is a drive, then?' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "But how did you gain them?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Then how many are there?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his highly," said Holmes. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." one else, I think." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "'Yes.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I washing it down with a long draught of water. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler companion. "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few imbecility!" he cried. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I cannot tell." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, upon an income of about 60 pounds." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "You have the photograph?" "But what is it you wish?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "No, my brougham is waiting." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "That sounds a little paradoxical." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in went to the Alpha were town bred." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for back into the street. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Get out!" said he. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Ha! you find it so?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." do you make of it all?" "Of what?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled that you saw all that I did." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the yet." eavesdroppers?' PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Witness: It was. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Come in!" said Holmes. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "And your mother is alive?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the one which it was hard to resist. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. upon the white wrist. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very place, I think that there is good ground to think that the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Witness: It was. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow recall any case within my experience which looked at the first a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I you." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, will take you up to see the machine.' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "No, I had a dozen." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Perhaps we may make them less so." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as have an American origin." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. village inn over there?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant too. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "In which, sir?" "'Which dealer's?' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and individual and becomes the badge of a society." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with in this note: security.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "It's nothing of the kind." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet is," said he presently: The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and back into the street. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of