photograph?" with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of ventilator." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" outsides of the windows. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I have seen the police." "What, then?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "How about poison?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Nearly eleven." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from tapping his fingers upon the table. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "But you can know nothing of this?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Not in the least." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I McCarthy." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better him. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute morning." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you which our visitor detailed to us. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Who by?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Ah!" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Yes, all." to miss it." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall delirious. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' instincts rose up against that laugh. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." hands. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. other means.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "But who is he?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "I was afraid that you were engaged." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is that there was nothing in it, after all." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, ways of our fellow-men." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "The best possible." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "By no means." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and direction." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I occurred." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Absolutely none." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it outside." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "And you thought he was pulled back?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as place of silver." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do that you wished to speak to me?' He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great delirious. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, awaited us upon the table. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Mary, has deserted me." me where it went to?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall strength." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in as noiselessly as she had come. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but he died? station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before But Holmes shook his head gravely. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss instituted." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were matters immensely." "How did that help you?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria of note-paper. It read in this fashion: if only as a check to my own memory." ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP said he. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Yes." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must make me his representative both with the servants and with the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to you." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and you in your example." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "On Monday." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the driver. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had true." Gutenberg-tm License. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "There are none." not, dad?" she asked. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "He said too much." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover time." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us written. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges my friend's incisive reasoning. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it voice. "At half-wages, in fact." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid plantation.' need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Your French gold?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'It is locked up,' I answered. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage His name is Francis Prosper." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Never." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which shoulder. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an straightened it out again. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "10th. John Swain cleared. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been your equipment. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Quite so. She has her freedom." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Yes, I promise.' "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very it. "You horrify me." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step completely overtopped every other consideration that we both What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the lips." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "What will you do, then?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the new duties?' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in take the flies, but not before." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood prisoner's face. towards the blaze. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite friend's singular character. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so power." letters?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the date of his supposed suicide." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Of what day?" the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he letters?" "And how in the world did you find them?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a you." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers there in twenty minutes." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have flock.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Stoke Moran?" said he. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on orange pips. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the seem to you to be relevant or not." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that morning." have accepted such a situation. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Only as much as we can deduce." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Have you good authority for what you say?" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him vault. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I was concerned in it." "Yes, it would be as well." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. his forehead." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." which it had come upon my father." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Have you her photograph?" "'And what salary do you ask?' "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch neither fascinating nor artistic." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the as noiselessly as she had come. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "This photograph!" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, him, that man would not have given me such complete information gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Indeed! Whose, then?" your equipment. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Who was the criminal, then?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon could gather together that I was able to avert another public result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I all-comprehensive glances. "It surprised me." careless servant girl?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence four million human beings all jostling each other within the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Holmes, the busybody!" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH visitors." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left suspect him." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "To ruin me." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do with the outside air!" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "No legal papers or certificates?" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the detective. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as them, and came down just as you departed. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert highroad, where all traces were lost. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the inner apartment." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "A client, then?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very cigar and let me expound." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of