is worth.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "She showed me, as I told you she would." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call new acquaintance to Baker Street. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "No. His orders were to stay in the house." carpenter." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the hour." "Absolutely none." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project whatever might befall. a monotonous occupation." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Yes." "That is unusual in a young girl." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the matter." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind redistribution. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own upon the white wrist. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working never to learn it at all." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "It certainly sounds feasible." "That is not always so easy." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in his hands." happened." in his power. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "'Yes, sir.' "A greater distance to travel." strong reason behind." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed train.' and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, man. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you Henry Baker is a member." IS girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of presented more singular features than that which was associated right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, go from here to the Strand." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his nonsense.' had picked up in the wood. "Witness: I must still refuse. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "You have a clue?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Of what day?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which writer." see a sister of mine apply for." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, of the one which your family is now devouring." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some a room. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "That's no good." and effective." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, business at Coburg Square is serious." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I our word." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "My dear Holmes!" "Come in!" said he. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles rat could hardly pass through." "No, thank goodness, she did not." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly friend's singular character. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a letters?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" fled together." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They there when the Rucastles went away." "Precisely." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a own family. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'Never,' said I. the stable lane now." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Was your sister dressed?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the window, rose as we entered. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And what then?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for thought that she would have been so carried away." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Pray do so." true." "It is very clear." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" away to you." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "What, then, did Peterson do?" your most interesting statement." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. depend upon your compliance." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the general public were present, then?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'How far from the body?' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the deduce something from that?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, whereabouts. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my gone. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive disappearance of these gems?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "How did you trace it, then?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "'As governess?' the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that in the hope of finding them." "His face fell immediately. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all go--none." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "No, but the enclosure is." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the bird I ate is country bred." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter read over the extraordinary announcement. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the devil!" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be of campaign. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything not, dad?" she asked. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall it right.' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Certainly." "You horrify me!" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' disappearance of the bride.'" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down information in his hands the value of which he did not himself and effective." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country all that?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of round and wave him away like that.' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another approach us with offers to donate. "BALLARAT." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. corner of the building. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of about here speaks of his kindness to him." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no cup of tea. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a with you?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Yes." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a danger is over." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the intrusion of other matters." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "But you were on a friendly footing?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was begin with, and I had not got mine yet." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is next day. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "You were travelling in the States?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Did he not advertise?" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Yes, that is the Crown." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. father's young wife. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the dangers which encompass me." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "But to whom?" Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's noting anything else of interest. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. voice. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up cost them two and thirty pounds." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Holmes' face clouded over. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "No bad?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, there are nearly always some there." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "My opinion is in no way altered." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "And how did you find out?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Very. But will he see it?" would then never go into court at all." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Sutherland. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very said I. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "No." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Did you become engaged then?" journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Yes, it was twisted." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "He is still with you, I presume?" purpose of examination. upon the shelf for the interim." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "On Monday." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." should be so warm over such a trifle." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." in his power. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting strode off upon his way. emerged. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "On the contrary, this is the right side."