filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Was your sister dressed?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that he will be back before evening." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me to Leatherhead. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "There is the writing." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' said he. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De it. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "That sounds a little paradoxical." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was definite end. have an American origin." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in that he will be back before evening." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Oh, the cause is excellent!" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your very old mansion. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "It is true that I have been generally successful." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a secret." drawing your inferences." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall posted to-day." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "And help." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the his face which made him a very different person to the round, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the address that was given us in the advertisement. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would might help us?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Of Friday, June 19th." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done key of the affair now." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "And help." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Not particularly." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared points to suicide?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence papers." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair appeared upon the scene." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, redistribution. "Have you her photograph?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "You have but to name it." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Yes, sir." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Stoke Moran." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Never." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "One?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Yes." "You have but to name it." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she it? Did I buy the geese off you?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Doctor, of the paper and the date." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Whose house is it?" "Yes." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Tired-looking or fresh?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. note?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "One horse?" interjected Holmes. trifles." out." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the future lives." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I am following you closely," I answered. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I fear not." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by of receipt of the work. "Nothing." some water from a caraffe. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret affection." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose minor matters until to-morrow." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and effective." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to conceal it?" asked. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you little adventures." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." until night should bring an explanation. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a individual and becomes the badge of a society." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I shaken than I had ever seen him. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. thought that she would have been so carried away." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It is possible." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices prison!" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "She told me to ask you." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in rat could hardly pass through." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." purpose equally well?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would his grey eyes. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Proceed, then." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on charge against him will break down." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for any." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the bed, and you in that chair." of campaign. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "On your arm?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New to-night's adventure." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first for its centre. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them thirty. strength." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "I should like to see him very much." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked meant it for the best. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Yes." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each photograph a cabinet?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, and all of them with the keenest interest. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when searched, without anything being found which could incriminate drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, tell them apart.' stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. national property. I was determined that the law should have its delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I think that it is very probable." suspect him." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the companion. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the you came in." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it face and glided from the room. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local leaning back in his chair. "Ah!" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as time." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." public press." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "I have a cab outside." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Do you know him?" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Can I be of assistance?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong your bag." "Pray let us have it, for all that." Eyford." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his hand, madam?" used to be." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw villagers almost as much as their master. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had lids now and glanced across at his visitor. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' door?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "But not more so than I to find you." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I in the dead of the night?' know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing stalked out of the room. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little you in yours." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. instincts rose up against that laugh. what these perils are?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the anything to a woman, for she would have her way." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate out." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from late." his eyes and forehead. very old mansion. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local that you wished to speak to me?' withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the which we had just quitted. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'And the work?' "You have but to name it." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in several quiet little villages up there." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "No, but the enclosure is." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Arthur Conan Doyle Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I carpenter." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "He said too much." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small cigar and let me expound." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Well, but China?" Cross for the Continent." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. this poor creature." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Yes, he did." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is your only hope of safety." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a front of me. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He disturbance in my wife." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to very morning of my second wedding." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "I answered that I had not. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of yards of it?' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another License. You must require such a user to return or other, as fresh and trim as possible. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I