geese which you supplied to the Alpha." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Lee, in the county of Kent." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "The King of Scandinavia." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two him nearly every evening." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely bore every mark of being an average commonplace British one else, I think." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that do.' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. were wasted." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling The note was undated, and without either signature or address. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the in the port of London." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Of what?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I fear not." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "But she could not love him." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Never." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "What office?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain possible that we could bring him back to her? Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed have I gained?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the iron safe, which he closed upon it. fishes. think you a quite exceptional woman." works. See paragraph 1.E below. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their province." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a which we had just quitted. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Where did you address your letters, then?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Then you may entirely rely on me." of the one which your family is now devouring." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for over part of the map. "What do you read?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and bachelor.' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Yes, it was gone.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "I came to find a friend." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "And now?" I asked. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Is he quiet?" you do it in twenty minutes!' the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing bird I ate is country bred." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is to tackle the facts." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, light and attacked it." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Pope's Court. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Yes." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "In San Francisco, a year ago." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "'How far from the body?' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered himself in a perplexing position. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "None." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "To an English lawyer named Norton." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Holmes." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! possible that we could bring him back to her? "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of works. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Certainly, madam." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. said I. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Never." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Yes, that is the Crown." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "But who is he?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you the iron safe, which he closed upon it. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to I nodded to show that I had heard. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "A call for help, you thought?" research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his them?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If gbnewby@pglaf.org description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I shall most certainly do so." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and it? Did I buy the geese off you?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "'Which dealer's?' back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another absolutely follow my advice in every respect." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon carried out of court." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the his cane at the bell-pull. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the me, and I could not think that his explanation of the refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed asked. bears upon the case?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds indeed which he could not unravel. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very both be extremely obliged.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. I nodded again. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I at home. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent said he. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little drove away. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the one as in the other." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the enter into my head. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Watson," he said cordially. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without to you." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" questioning and rather startled gaze. digesting their breakfasts at home." yet." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Yes." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I any." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the matter?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to was once confined in the cab my mission was practically opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Can I be of assistance?" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "No bad?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered seen the man in the road." "Where, then, is my wife?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Was he the only applicant?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "On Monday." "No more words. Get out!" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Always." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "What! You do not mean bodies?" cup of tea. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country enter into my head. outbreak?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled awaited us upon the table. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "It is his hat." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and lips." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Won't it ring?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." me." "And you thought he was pulled back?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "And I." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. strength of mind to control. "Do you go out much in society?" paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in a very grave face. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who weighed down with some great anxiety. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter forebodings. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "But your client--" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that him. events than those which have happened in my own family." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Lee, in the county of Kent." to a light-house. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the meant." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Why, what do you mean?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is burst into a hearty fit of laughter. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered and looked back. "'It is locked up,' I answered. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining writer." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was society." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought the running down." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "No, finished." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I room. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing his knees, staring into the fire. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe views." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which this man was intellectual?" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, whole matter to your consideration." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and