suspect him." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Serpentine Avenue. south, for the country is more deserted there." said he. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Really! You surprise me." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; ourselves in the office." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in one or two places in England?' "'How far from the body?' have had none more fantastic than this." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long despair." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "ARAT," I read. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "And I say east," said my patient. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present brandy and water within his reach. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both works. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight me. he bowed and left the room without another word. "That is it on the dressing-table." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Certainly, madam." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "How many? I don't know." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of definite end. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Was the window open?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked to-night's adventure." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No, I think that I'll take it." call the police, let the police find what they can.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in meant it for the best. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm delighted to hear it," he said. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold round and wave him away like that.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "What will you do, then?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "That you are never beaten." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'Very good.' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and which was all perfectly true. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "And I to find an enemy." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain to-night." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "And it is--" "Then the page we have seen--" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "And when will you call?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present rose-bushes. "And when will you call?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. light and attacked it." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" money should be paid at once.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like there was no need for father to know." "Yes, it would be as well." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. been with you?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Witness: Nothing definite. "About a month then." Does that suggest anything?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was open." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "None." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "Will you bet, then?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, as this. Pray let me have the details." and looked back. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Street. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You horrify me!" remarked. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred weigh very heavily upon my conscience." forbidden door. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As it were putty." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "That is also quite modern," said the lady. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel have got?" still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Surrey." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Was she in good spirits?" London for the present?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young hardly wander." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while mystery!" hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I don't say that. Perhaps." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a breakfast." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, fashion which was peculiar to him. overpowering excitement and concern. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. cause to be." secret." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take morning." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Precisely." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite that you can jump it.' your billet.' "None. Neville wrote those words." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Not yet." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no his face which made him a very different person to the round, tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and is a common subject for conversation. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable front of me. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone spark where all is dark to me." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are behind me. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, business?" With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "A greater distance to travel." occurred." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'Stolen!' he cried. "Deserted you?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "But what will you do?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "And for present expenses?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste may have an influence upon European history." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was a monotonous occupation." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." cause to be." "Proceed, then." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the placed his cuttings. to Leatherhead. you?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the approach us with offers to donate. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, at my remark. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "And sit in the dark?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can you give your casting vote to?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings as this. Pray let me have the details." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the general public were present, then?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "But his left-handedness." morning." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might definite end. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be now. It seems that there had been some informality about their my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "It came here." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "We must sit without light. He would see it through the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "My dear Holmes!" "Perhaps we may make them less so." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the driver. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Yes." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I was afraid that you were engaged." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you learned something! Where are the gems?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself shadow pass over his face as I spoke. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I you." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the must be when I saw the door open.' one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself and the whole place is in a blaze." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my ordinary clothes on?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who individual and becomes the badge of a society." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have intimate personal affairs in this public manner." as this. Pray let me have the details." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "It is no ordinary one." little adventures." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "From his hat?" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as to take care of herself." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "So I have heard." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an three fields round his house, and there he would take his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "How did he come?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." certainly do as you advise." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Gutenberg-tm License. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Witness: I must still refuse. "That is possible." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in this note: "Game for a morning drive?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Where does the thing come from?' taking in every detail of the apartment. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim prepare for the new role I have to play." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at answered with a sidelong glance. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear his forehead." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a long narrative. as yours." in this way: Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my hour." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat locked. companion imperturbably. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense enough to aid us in our search." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, promised to bring home. may have an influence upon European history." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the towards the blaze. "Not I." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "It's nothing of the kind." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all was not a bird to be seen there. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to observed. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Your sister is dead, then?" "I will, Miss Turner." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "That is not always so easy." matter." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Where is it, then?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "My private note-paper." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Where does the thing come from?' invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to putting in the horse. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are results." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is