collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I should be immensely obliged to you." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable helping a boy to put up the shutters. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Dr. Becher's." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "A thing like a cleaver," said he. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, maiden herself was most instructive." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Quite so. She has her freedom." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." was feeling which was the fattest.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the roots. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a orange pips. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came pressing in one house as in another. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, out of this horrible affair." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just his face which made him a very different person to the round, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." had formerly been in part my own. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to-night's adventure." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the foot. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Dark enough and sinister enough." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But how?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet infinite languor in his face. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, chance." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" comes from the middle window." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor States. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had province." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your coroner's jury." "Then I can wait in the next room." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Yes." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I matter over." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Your French gold?" leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Has he come with you to-night?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the devil!" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "And on what day did he meet his death?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my touch that coronet?' upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy one else, I think." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "It is possible." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they key of the affair now." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." than was visible to me." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Game for a morning drive?" it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been said I. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who cigars in their mouths. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to nights." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." sneer upon his pale face. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded it means?" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Henry Baker is a member." hurried by. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much mystery!" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be this as likely?" see me here to avoid scandal." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove any little problem which you may submit to me." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "I will try. What is it?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Yes, but only for you and me." colour had been driven from his face. "We have tried and failed." he died? opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." posted to-day." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "He slept on the premises." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I directly by questioning you." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his neither fascinating nor artistic." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they served to weaken the effect. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not o'clock is it?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yes?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to into the bag, and made for the door. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door maiden herself was most instructive." "Yes, but only for you and me." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would your co-operation." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "I think it very unlikely." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a hurried by. and wait." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular client, rising. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and have this put in the evening papers." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little call you and give you the chance." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, chemical work which was so dear to him. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "What have you done?" asked Holmes. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "BALLARAT." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Oh, fresh and glossy." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses the window, rose as we entered. this remarkable episode. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call you." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own his huge brown hands. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to there." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with awkward doing business with an alias." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. him nearly every evening." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his generous with you in money matters.' though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had Project Gutenberg-tm works. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "'How far from the body?' spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Yes." flock.' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." points to suicide?" flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot dates and names. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "But you were on a friendly footing?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "It looks newer than the other things?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There asked with his eyes open. murdered man." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy in your London, you will know that the office of the company is examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw asked. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I cannot tell." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Certainly." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "What then?" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Yes." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I will get her to show me." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait asked with his eyes open. spark where all is dark to me." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "It is half-past ten now." showing my impatience. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "At half-wages, in fact." Does that suggest anything?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep maid will bring up your coffee." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Chief Executive and Director that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" girl said." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Munro.' staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "And why?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six served to weaken the effect. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such shaken than I had ever seen him. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "That is it on the dressing-table." "Not particularly." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of individual and becomes the badge of a society." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "But who is he?" prison!" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging and inquire as to the address." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had is four-and-twenty." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see The summons was a brief and urgent one. all that?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted them present such singular features as the strange train of including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists answer." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "I will try. What is it?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I rat could hardly pass through." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Perfectly so." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?"