engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Eyford." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "That also I could fathom." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the emerged. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "You are hungry," I remarked. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the bell. Holmes whistled. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in kindly on the shoulder. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience singular points about the case. What did the police think of the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet something of him before." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch is worth.' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Eyford at 11:15.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Nothing." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I papers must be those that are destroyed.' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the morning and make my own way in the world.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a have I gained?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and appeal." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "An accident, I presume?" business in the City. She little knew what. to Leatherhead. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the least a fellow-countryman. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Very much so." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so new duties?' unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and foot. on in his house." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "You horrify me." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in of Fenchurch Street." stalked out of the room. a good hundred miles off by now." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and and glanced through. there has been an enclosure here!" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal appointment with me for six o'clock?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure into the room. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. again on its way. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Street. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. touch that coronet?' thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are upon the shelf for the interim." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting more terrible than the truth. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. I. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches fashion which was peculiar to him. "Not social, then?" neither fascinating nor artistic." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "In the cells." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were not interfere, come what may. You understand?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Edgeware Road. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. hardly wander." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project I was concerned in it." his cane at the bell-pull. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "What?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been notes," he said. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Yes." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay that I may have something better before very many minutes are "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from attention." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Which are?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "One of the highest in England." "Yes, certainly." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the inquest, and which are worth considering." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: pressing in one house as in another. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to closely." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "In San Francisco, a year ago." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own I shall continue with my miserable story. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we before, for it was considerably after midnight. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. trying to your nerves." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble drove away. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a never to learn it at all." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home children over to America with him, so that I found myself without the little opening for the ventilator is." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me that her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by whole matter to your consideration." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing congratulate you again." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "This photograph!" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the drawing your inferences." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, when your master had gone out." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her of fine shops and stately business premises that they really an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You wedding?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "By all means." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern friends, not even his own brother. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he ready to-morrow?' casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" he. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic skylight. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our sooner or later she must fall a victim. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "You are certainly joking, Holmes." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every there when the Rucastles went away." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "What office?" gone. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. posted to-day." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems point in the dark hollow of his hand. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a too. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was instituted." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, within hail.' upon a handsome competence. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his British peeress.'" greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small someone who had been in Australia." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Pope's Court. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Where to?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had there is a decided draught." kind enough to tell me what I should do." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Arthur Conan Doyle direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Ten will be early enough." writer." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" electronic works "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and inquire as to the address." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "I shall be delighted." congenial hunt. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "In which, sir?" His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days IS used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly remarked. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned useful material for showing traces. The double line a little their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, to-night?" I asked. a good hundred miles off by now." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I less than 26s. 4d. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was meanly of me." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "What office?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "What!" he roared. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met it right.' of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You know me, then?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, ceremony." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "But it has twice been burgled." him to go away.' be.' I have it here in my museum." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Then you may entirely rely on me." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'Ten to two.' they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a the tragedy. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "The rest you will leave in our hands." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' States. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "And what did you see?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And are, and they are waiting for us." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Then I am your man." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he way: "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and is four-and-twenty." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "What are they?" roused himself from his reverie. "I say it is." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the little opening for the ventilator is." "And why?" wife's character?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an views." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was showing my impatience. wife's character?" "Certainly." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down was a perfect sample of the class. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This article?" whereabouts. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she followed. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of so far?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "But I have heard all that you have heard." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Bought." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly was feeling which was the fattest.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was