were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Stolen." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "It is half-past ten now." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you me have 200 pounds?' "Witness: It was. keep the flames under. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the one as in the other." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical some city in a dream. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are success. "You think so, too?" "It's nothing of the kind." "Pray do so." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; assist you in forming an opinion." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. head. So long, then!" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from have one." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of States. that, and I came down." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "There are none." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in address. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." of them has the shutters up.' compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the time." "Bought." the coronet in his hands?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or disappearance of these gems?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Farm upon the left." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows to Leatherhead. Edgeware Road. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the child." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it enter Dr. Roylott's room." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "The vanishing of the lady." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I advice." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I III. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "'About the same.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Game for a morning drive?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the bottom.' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Henry Baker is a member." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "We have tried and failed." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Again Holmes raved in the air. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Well, some hundreds of times." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said direction." his face. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name was already answered. seem to you to be relevant or not." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Clair, of Lee." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "We have tried and failed." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Never." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I think that it is very probable." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and vault. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, was a loud and authoritative tap. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Yes, sir.' "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the over here." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided ago." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "'Yes, sir.' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "It's nothing of the kind." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months sofa. This way, please!" late." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a hurried away. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" 11:15.' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. call for it in person on Monday morning.' Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction despair." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Of what?" society." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the if only as a check to my own memory." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I was keenly on my guard against him. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more it were putty." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I what I may call a really hard day's work." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility showing my impatience. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing that I can to serve you." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious gbnewby@pglaf.org Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of a light. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Of Friday, June 19th." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "And you can do nothing until then?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself any." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, ordinary clothes on?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations woman." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "What, then, did Peterson do?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried cost them two and thirty pounds." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front a suggestive one." "Yes." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to change my dress. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be of your young ladies.' and laid it on the table. placed his cuttings. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you thin, with a long, sharp nose?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed me have 200 pounds?' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Have you her photograph?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the obstinate." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I third from London." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should might have a private word with us. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might ran thus: old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'As governess?' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has you give your casting vote to?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I am armed." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Where did he live, then?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt arrested. You then--" absolutely follow my advice in every respect." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "The King of Scandinavia." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Really! You surprise me." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a DISSOLVED. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be business in the City. She little knew what. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to corner of the building. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally pound a week." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking your equipment. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, throat." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'It is locked up,' I answered. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide strong reason behind." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "I shall be delighted." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to humiliation." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' he bowed and left the room without another word. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "An accident, I presume?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Then I shall certainly come." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "That is unusual in a young girl." the running down." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Sutherland?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, cigars in the box." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon been." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, infinite languor in his face. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would standing smiling on the door-step. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." wanted for ourselves." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small writer." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' foot. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Foundation the armchair which I pushed forward for him. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I