river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea business." "No, distinctly professional." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "That's no good." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This not personally threatened." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Did your wife hear all this?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon You can understand that this register and diary may implicate heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "You were travelling in the States?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Nothing." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I answered with a sidelong glance. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "I shall most certainly do so." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to you." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her one's self under obligations.' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work late." "'And what salary do you ask?' developed." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "And now?" He raised his hand. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Have you her photograph?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, photograph?" developed." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Yes." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being that I can to serve you." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the stones. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and promised to bring home. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate call the police, let the police find what they can.' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "How long did she speak to this Alice?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Which surely he restored to their owner?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I highly," said Holmes. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass politicians who had been sent down from the North. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's pictures, libraries, or plate. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "That you are never beaten." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I was concerned in it." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, later, upon the night of May 2nd." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "I have hopes." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. charge against him will break down." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their there when the Rucastles went away." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her indeed happy." some city in a dream. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime me. You must get home instantly and act." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander matters immensely." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found writing, and yet I know it well." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you gone before you can get him to hospital." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "No, I had a dozen." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a done what I asked you, Jones?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been like that before?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced business." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of your young ladies.' occurred." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "It missed him, then?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "I should like to see him very much." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy knowledge of the world." "I cannot tell." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up stood on the top of it. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "One of the highest in England." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I have a cab outside." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to Project Gutenberg-tm works. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Then, how do you know?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Holmes rather sternly. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the general public were present, then?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite was it brought him the coronet? his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him gbnewby@pglaf.org not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "What will you say?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window envelope. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of definite end. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the correct than the official force." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "How many? I don't know." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my infinite languor in his face. suddenly upon us." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "No, finished." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "And for present expenses?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources whatever might befall. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible bonnet, and went out." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. My friend smiled. "I cannot imagine." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. is a common subject for conversation. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "And why?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In strength of mind to control. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your charged with?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the Assizes." of Mr. Rucastle's." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Really! You surprise me." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year and no precautions can guard against." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which extraordinary contortions. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which system of imprisonment?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it cigars in their mouths. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "And why?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might had picked up in the wood. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father confronted him. "Have you her photograph?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Do you know him?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. writer." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the said I. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in purpose of examination. your equipment. situation." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both careless servant girl?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, that I may have something better before very many minutes are the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I guessed as much." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Was your sister dressed?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, quickly through a disagreeable task. night.' said he. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to to you." in darkness. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Quite sure, dad.' "Pray do so." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together plantation.' Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you never will be, entirely cleared up. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If swore that no one else had been in the front room during the horse could go." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Of what?" noble correspondent could be. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "That is also quite modern," said the lady. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of matter." tail." than to us. long narrative. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Get out!" said he. into the room. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a with you alone." "In heaven's name, what for?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH jewels which you have stolen?' upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round the very morning of the wedding." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the matter?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Witness: Nothing definite. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without that you can jump it.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a other means.' so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'A dozen yards or so.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows chance." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'Most admirably.' fire. You quite follow me?" down. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." he bowed and left the room without another word. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "On your arm?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez rose-bushes. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me but preventing her from injuring another. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and capable of preserving a secret.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and was it brought him the coronet? gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Is he quiet?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of