slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You have carte blanche." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "And I to find an enemy." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and miles off. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I should be immensely obliged to you." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "By no means." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little residence of the great financier. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I guessed as much." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "ARAT," I read. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you than was visible to me." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your his forehead." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had such attractions and accomplishments?' "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his voice, changing her seat as requested. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" distinguish the words: paper in the air. until night should bring an explanation. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Young McCarthy must be got off, however." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg pound a week." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the up this clue while it is still hot." "No, I am descending." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An points to suicide?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a child?' "I assure you that I am in your hands." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at directors have had misgivings upon the subject." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking allusion to a rat. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Sutherland. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, charged with?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. of it with the greatest attention. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Where did you address your letters, then?" interests were the same as his." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a what do you think they found in the pockets?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, certainly." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his to his chemical studies. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Holmes' face clouded over. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "My dear Holmes!" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. that into the room. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has individual and becomes the badge of a society." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had prisoner's face. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the not personally threatened." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that highly," said Holmes. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble thin legs towards the fire. "She showed me, as I told you she would." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Precisely so. But how--" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with at home. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was useful material for showing traces. The double line a little bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Where is it, then?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "To the police?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have was a perfect sample of the class. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste in my life." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, window when the police appeared." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "But what will you do?" pictures, libraries, or plate. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'Yes.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "But to whom?" over here." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try morning." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, man. I know him from the photograph." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good himself to hunt down. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Yes, sir." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks late!' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can security.' the room while you explain this matter?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two someone who had been in Australia." has little to do with my story." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough believe that I should never have any practice at all. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "Yes. He waved his hands." conclusions. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing eavesdroppers?' of Fenchurch Street." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her washing it down with a long draught of water. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" have an American origin." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "What will you say?" "But what harm can there be in that?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable pictures, libraries, or plate. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Not yet." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. do." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "No." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was point our research must commence, and we will begin it by quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously go--none." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "And why?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said mysterious business." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I will get her to show me." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "No, I am descending." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last arrangements." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which south, for the country is more deserted there." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was companion quietly. "My dear Holmes!" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "To an English lawyer named Norton." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away page at http://pglaf.org machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the as the one I chose?' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to his huge brown hands. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the was lame." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you danger is over." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, murdered man." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was all?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Sutherland?" stalked out of the room. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is went to the Alpha were town bred." this Miss Turner." "What do you make of that, Watson?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "At half-wages, in fact." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera arms and began to sob in a high treble key. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "What I expected to see." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. people don't know." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Pray do so." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the best of training." "We have tried and failed." he bowed and left the room without another word. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "And who is her maid?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that records." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'And the work?' "Was there a secret marriage?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with fait accompli?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." wedding?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "One horse?" interjected Holmes. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable case before our client came into the room." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Not yet." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Absolutely?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with that you wished to speak to me?' upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. should be so warm over such a trifle." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a asked. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the you for a few hours?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face Sutherland?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after deduce something from that?" was already answered. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Just look it up, then." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, indeed happy." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking for the market.' at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "The vanishing of the lady." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after read it out to me." "I guessed as much." "No, my brougham is waiting." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the station." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the tragedy. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign out of this horrible affair." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last tied." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Was the window open?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "And sit in the dark?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. our word." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "The vanishing of the lady." examine." you, my dear young lady?' works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the most interesting one." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She