"At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Then let me do so?' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "And why?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. row." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw read it out to me." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole do you make of it all?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Which are?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' like gravel from a pit.' laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'Yes, it was gone.' appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of that you saw all that I did." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Do you go out much in society?" "Why, what do you mean?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Holmes." "No, distinctly professional." this Miss Turner." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever to tell." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge manager. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "You don't mind breaking the law?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain as the one I chose?' foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch manager. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Then you may be so with me." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, hard-headed British jury." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." to miss it." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" it." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, everything which you would wish to know." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and in the hope of finding them." without a word or a look. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about front of me. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Holmes rather sternly. wall." in. best detective that ever lived. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Yes." "And how?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" hurried away. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Clair, of Lee." strength." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "You have but to name it." "I have my revolver," said I. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. them?" Mrs. Toller serenely. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "What is it?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to from the brougham. detained." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had ventilator." present." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for to miss it." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I fear not." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend golden eyeglasses. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "No, finished." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "'You cannot say what it was?' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival night.' said he. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for as yours." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news row." is," said he presently: our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Bought." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'I shall certainly be there.' but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I awaited us upon the table. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "That is easily got." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "'Entirely.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is giving me time to thank him. self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'Stolen!' he cried. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "None." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could closely." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the What do you deduce from it?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door until night should bring an explanation. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your a very grave face. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "The King of Scandinavia." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he For additional contact information: doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no someone who had been in Australia." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful everything which you would wish to know." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves details should find their way into the papers. Inspector asked. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left for the market.' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in whatever might befall. "It is half-past ten now." drove away. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an seven miles from Eyford Station.' "It's nothing of the kind." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my My friend smiled. prisoner's face. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left have I gained?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only and your relations to her." asked. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this closing the door. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I say that I have solved it." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "My private note-paper." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. were wasted." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Nothing?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be you." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Miss Holder?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our go back?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "The rest you will leave in our hands." generous with you in money matters.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching about. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by writers could invent nothing more crude." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three I was concerned in it." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit derbies." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the chill to my heart. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the Red-headed League." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten you." better in every way that they should make their position a little his forehead." recover the gem." some water from a caraffe. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen has little to do with my story." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I eat it." to arrive at through this?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Where, indeed?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence me upon any point which I do not make clear." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for exactly what you advise." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the chamber." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "It is half-past ten now." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss some city in a dream. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked knowledge of the world." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any seven miles from Eyford Station.' we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set acted in my house last night?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that other lovers by making love himself." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And the murderer?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. investigation." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only sentimental considerations in the background which would induce this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "No good news?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would compunction about shooting them down." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of gentleman's clothes. Clair, of Lee." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" papers on the sundial.'" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I was mad--insane." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I am all attention, madam." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave this man was intellectual?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil cigar and let me expound." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Leadenhall Street--and--" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Watson," he said cordially. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with vault. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether gentleman's clothes. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover prison!" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you strange features which were associated with the two crimes which you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. investigation." "No, I had a dozen." "'Where to?' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I think that it is very probable." his face which made him a very different person to the round, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and voice. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but have got?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast leaning back in his chair. tell him that I know him to be innocent." status with the IRS. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely ventilator." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his girl said." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when cigar and let me expound." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much has little to do with my story." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "But you can know nothing of this?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and my former friend and companion. The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and effective." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "And how have you succeeded?" as this. Pray let me have the details." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the bottom.' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me,