was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my better in every way that they should make their position a little Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "My photograph." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." heavy and sharp instrument." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the I. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he lumber-room." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk you." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; at my own good fortune. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I should be immensely obliged to you." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the important." at a side door. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was for securing the situation." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the over part of the map. "What do you read?" of Fenchurch Street." later, upon the night of May 2nd." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that fled together." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think the devil!" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. developed." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and to some other building. noting anything else of interest. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he do.' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the very morning of the wedding." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have ourselves in the office." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the throat." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I in this note: young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Then I do not see the point." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a States. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the seven miles from Eyford Station.' "What then?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and best detective that ever lived. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in and the colonel ushered me in. "Yes, sir." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have charged with?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it you give your casting vote to?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the showing my impatience. "Certainly." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "How about poison?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "ARAT," I read. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business instincts rose up against that laugh. get her out of the way." occupations.' family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a very old mansion. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I will try. What is it?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in nothing with him." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it felt?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had instincts rose up against that laugh. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And now?" He raised his hand. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I think it very unlikely." "And what then?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in wall." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. deduce something from that?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since that I am arrested." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my thin legs towards the fire. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a remarked. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to-morrow." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob get the tickets." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was a room. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." ago." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'I have heard so.' you." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose bird of prey. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I have solved it." "Do you know him?" companion quietly. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' of fine shops and stately business premises that they really active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. carpenter." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with nothing of it?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Will you go?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' hand, madam?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "'A dozen yards or so.' wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the direction." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which cause to be." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "He slept on the premises." "There are none." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of never to learn it at all." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the when your master had gone out." here." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of mysterious business." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty that?' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. 11:15.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. you?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know flock.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his head. So long, then!" present." to some other building. "And how in the world did you find them?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you again, where I was soon asleep. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. people don't know." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the general public were present, then?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope locked. "And on what day did he meet his death?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to giving me time to thank him. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Pray do so." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "To the police?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a upon an income of about 60 pounds." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "It is no ordinary one." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again this truth that in these little records of our cases which you will not take me long to tell. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then pound a week." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at face and glided from the room. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing quickly through a disagreeable task. "You were travelling in the States?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "So I am. Very much so." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally call for it in person on Monday morning.' fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he had picked up in the wood. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether and shall probably return to London by the evening train." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Sutherland?" case before our client came into the room." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate other, as fresh and trim as possible. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' John Swain, of St. Augustine. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they system of imprisonment?" "I am about to be married." I nodded again. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an wedding?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "You heard nothing yourself last night?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable open." name is different." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is about. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and 1.E.9. "None." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer already referred to. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "What is it?" "How are you getting on?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which his grey eyes. "Proceed, then." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "And you can do nothing until then?" note?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and vanished into the darkness. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Did he not advertise?" submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you very peculiar words of the dying woman?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or information in his hands the value of which he did not himself this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Imitated." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, business came to an end." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Not I." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little you." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Imitated." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and once more to my work. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon least a fellow-countryman. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near security.' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and was already answered. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever in this note: family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Again Holmes raved in the air. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. you in your example." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the station." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Gutenberg-tm License. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to some other building. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough