"I assure you that I am in your hands." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to invisible to me," I remarked. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to all?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the inquest, and which are worth considering." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I cannot imagine." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be had no one to advise her at such a crisis." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of them has the shutters up.' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at tail." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, in the hope of finding them." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and pictures, libraries, or plate. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "On the contrary, this is the right side." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "To ruin me." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great his knees, staring into the fire. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "How about poison?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange happened." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Ten will be early enough." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in as this. Pray let me have the details." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "But what is it you wish?" "He is dead," cried several voices. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I someone who had been in Australia." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before bore every mark of being an average commonplace British she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner were unconscious?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. criminal. We have already had experience of such." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his have got?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little himself to hunt down. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It eat it." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You the ceiling. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I cannot say that I have." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a to some other building. desk. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I have seen the police." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how have I gained?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry guilty one." any." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers generous with you in money matters.' set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to in this way: "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is before the coroner and the police-court." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and hands. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled you want, then?' "Yes?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Leadenhall Street--and--" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's more terrible than the truth. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And I say east," said my patient. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not as the one I chose?' of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Stoke Moran?" said he. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his so far?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Chief Executive and Director greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another I shall communicate with you." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that said he. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that new duties?' friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads he. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar read over the extraordinary announcement. cost them two and thirty pounds." opportunities to fix the problem. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Where did he live, then?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the to have that photograph." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Her father is very rich?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "But how will you look?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He slept on the premises." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, bird of prey. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may daring than any effort of the imagination." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I cannot imagine." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the very morning of the wedding." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an like that before?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "ARAT," I read. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "I am following you closely," I answered. least a most suspicious remark." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the status with the IRS. like that before?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I crackling voice. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than said I. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy felt the room to be a little close.' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "An accident, I presume?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'What are you doing there?' he asked. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Not social, then?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to answered with a sidelong glance. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on grasp, he hurried from the room. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "And leave your case unfinished?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue had formerly been in part my own. "I am about to be married." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. into the room. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "And your mother is alive?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Stoke Moran." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, that he will be back before evening." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and capable of preserving a secret.' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "No?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the Assizes." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "'Then let me do so?' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And who is her maid?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Lestrade of Scotland Yard." generous with you in money matters.' street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of entirely devoid of interest." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "The vanishing of the lady." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to *** START: FULL LICENSE *** crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "My opinion is in no way altered." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did be there in time for your coming." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The are, I think, all that we need." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take crime. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "What is it?" beg that you will break it off." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from to have been novel and of interest." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the ceiling. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a thin legs towards the fire. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "And now?" He raised his hand. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when absolutely follow my advice in every respect." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is stood on the top of it. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of tension within him. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from wedding?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Did he not advertise?" first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that interests were the same as his." and the whole place is in a blaze." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs with the outside air!" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he fluttered off among the others. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the out." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "No, but the enclosure is." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." within hail.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large My friend smiled. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their experiences." done what I asked you, Jones?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella awaited us upon the table. ourselves in the office." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Not in a good cause." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Quite so." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to your Highness to the police-station?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?"