doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of receipt of the work. in his power. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in this note: drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous as the one I chose?' "She told me to ask you." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very knowledge of the world." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be but preventing her from injuring another. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." success. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "And from a noble client?" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his man. I know him from the photograph." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and thin legs towards the fire. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "In heaven's name, what for?" fatally injured? Does that suggest anything?" will be renamed. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered I held the little printed slip to the light. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from business in the City. She little knew what. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "This photograph!" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "At the wedding breakfast." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "She will not sell." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Lee, in the county of Kent." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the running down." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H silent! Oh, he will be silent!' is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the date of his supposed suicide." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw someone who had been in Australia." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new trying to your nerves." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Holmes' thin, eager face. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Dr. Becher's." to miss it." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not cup of tea. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But carried out of court." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad have an American origin." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while felt?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which The summons was a brief and urgent one. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "My opinion is in no way altered." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Precisely." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I have my revolver," said I. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and You want to know what became of those geese?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "So it appears." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "This photograph!" have had none more fantastic than this." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Was your sister dressed?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will shadow pass over his face as I spoke. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." views." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the said I. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all it." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "No." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler get the tickets." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, empty. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how was shining brightly. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do observed. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that suddenly upon us." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last breakfast?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms infinite languor in his face. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault said I. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which there is a decided draught." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had one of the states of the Union." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took address. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove extraordinary contortions. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my that you saw all that I did." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Breckinridge is his name." nice household for a young lady." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative front of me. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My second window is the one that I jumped from." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a future lives." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I thought that she would have been so carried away." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, side. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the matter?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my him. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the there!' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "The Cedars?" "It was an hour's good drive." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the shoulder; "he's all right." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Mary, has deserted me." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" to Leatherhead. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "What then?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing fled together." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. purpose equally well?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." seem to you to be relevant or not." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my means taking possession of that which another person has a prior having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "I am sure." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence experiences." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. light and attacked it." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "How are you getting on?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be that I am arrested." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was question. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man for the market.' if only as a check to my own memory." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced You want to know what became of those geese?" "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove papers must be those that are destroyed.' "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Have you it here?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "And Miss Sutherland?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few drove away. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' situation." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'Then let me do so?' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other instincts rose up against that laugh. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I will do it." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Quite so." I have it here in my museum." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, believe that I should never have any practice at all. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You are hungry," I remarked. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But lost nothing by them." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from them?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "I was certainly surprised to find you there." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Sutherland?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to-night?'