"They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "None. Neville wrote those words." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend to where he stood hid behind the curtain. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case was feeling which was the fattest.' reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "Yes, the wine-cellar." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived asked. carriage. It was a chestnut." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a appeared upon the scene." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free acquaintance?" instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several compunction about shooting them down." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "ARAT," I read. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my maid will bring up your coffee." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing disappearance of these gems?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand you." that, and I came down." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely at my own good fortune. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to tackle the facts." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? see me here to avoid scandal." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the than was visible to me." "Well, it is a possible supposition." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. several quiet little villages up there." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "You don't mind breaking the law?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Which are?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in Surrey." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her quickly through a disagreeable task. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Sholtos." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge go back?" remarked. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I will try. What is it?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to-night?' the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "You will not go there first?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I fatally injured? saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, in this note: "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Quite so. She has her freedom." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest you in your example." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side hard-headed British jury." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to key of the affair now." signal between you and your father? that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for wedding?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set go back?" "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "And the cigar-holder?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Holmes. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If lost his Christmas dinner." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that?' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." present." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of who was a member of your goose club." occupations.' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six address. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but you." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain into the room. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" brandy and water within his reach. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that bell. Holmes whistled. cheerful." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, all-comprehensive glances. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' within hail.' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'What then?' I asked. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" notes," he said. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Yes, at the mines." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you sufficient punishment." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from with frightened eyes at his accuser. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided have established a very serious case against the son of the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he bonnet, and went out." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "She will not sell." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Of Friday, June 19th." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for out." "Very truly yours, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Look there!" said he. "Oh, fresh and glossy." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of this poor creature." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." guilty parties." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, if I call to-morrow?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "A call for help, you thought?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many paper in the air. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon security.' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had child?' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high absorbing." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "What! You do not mean bodies?" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these some water from a caraffe. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Certainly." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing she might be summoned. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was taking in every detail of the apartment. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when distinguish the words: and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'I am sure if I had known--' advice." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask his forehead." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "One?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were character. with you?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been thin, with a long, sharp nose?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Her father is very rich?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "That's no good." "Yes, he did." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "And how did you verify them?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And help." "Ah!" drove away. guilty one." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "What, then, did Peterson do?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking prison!" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" prepare for the new role I have to play." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue felt?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had conduct the inquiry." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the devil!" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. both be extremely obliged.' What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began gone. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "No." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "The vanishing of the lady." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. knowledge of the world." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I will try. What is it?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon fire. You quite follow me?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'And the work?' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, believe that I should never have any practice at all. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the straightened it out again. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for constraint." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Surrey." "Ah!" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened up this clue while it is still hot." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Could he throw no light?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "My stepfather's business papers." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "How did you trace it, then?" front of me. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "The Coroner: What do you mean? look upon these things in a different way." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the very morning of the wedding." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "It is possible." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some way in." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no him to go away.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled to-night?' could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "And now?" I asked. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you clang of the bell. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the