fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock to where he stood hid behind the curtain. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And together. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one residence of the great financier. again, where I was soon asleep. opportunities to fix the problem. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the little opening for the ventilator is." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "And for present expenses?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses shall not find me ungrateful." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. felt the room to be a little close.' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as than to us. lost his Christmas dinner." too. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, gives a meaning to it." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these clanging. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof persecution?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior It was close upon four before the door opened, and a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Yes." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There a very grave face. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. friend's singular character. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he was not a bird to be seen there. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City must be when I saw the door open.' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable roused himself from his reverie. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside side. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. my little problems." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I assure you that I am in your hands." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, not within a twentieth part of the market price." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Nothing." "And the cigar-holder?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all Have you good authority for what you say?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden outsides of the windows. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "What, then?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and his wife has ceased to love him." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he with her." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Dark enough and sinister enough." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its this man was intellectual?" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes of his shoulders. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner his fortune, and I went back to pa. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" might have a private word with us. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a used to be." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads of your young ladies.' which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, such attractions and accomplishments?' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that death." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "My dear Holmes!" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to waste of energy." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the I was concerned in it." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H our word." the one as in the other." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes this poor creature." hopeless attempt at recovering them." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "But what will you do?" Pool. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "You have carte blanche." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Pope's Court. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. know that the truth is known." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to always that they were such commands as a lady might with "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Yes, sir." the bottom.' "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Then I shall certainly come." question. what do you think they found in the pockets?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to-night?" I asked. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right My friend smiled. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" from you?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his not personally threatened." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! papers." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see already been minutely examined." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or go back?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you indeed which he could not unravel. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his his forehead." did not hear it also.' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss strength in the others." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are hardly wander." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "Here?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "It is possible." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "By no means." extraordinary contortions. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. which it had come upon my father." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his his face which made him a very different person to the round, world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my wedding?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, to tackle the facts." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which once more to my work. several quiet little villages up there." gives a meaning to it." crime." the child." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "What office?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "At half-wages, in fact." "What shall I do?" there was no need for father to know." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is once more on the important position which you have been fortunate arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an nights." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and my little problems." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to and a shock of very red hair. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may hurried by. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "It is half-past ten now." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is charged with?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I man. I know him from the photograph." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' questioning and rather startled gaze. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography amused." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "But your client--" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "He said too much." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And what did you learn from him?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I don't say that. Perhaps." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the bird of prey. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock fear." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "I have solved it." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon of this gang." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "That is possible." even of instruction." been shamefully used." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. in the hope of finding them." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." go back?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I shall be delighted." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria washing it down with a long draught of water. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." like that before?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police me, and I could not think that his explanation of the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you away in different directions, and I went off to make my own you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety criminal. We have already had experience of such." "No, my brougham is waiting." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It jewels which you have stolen?' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Yes, only one." "Yes, only one." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." formed some opinion?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case together. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." reach." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged written. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. emerged. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after her also." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her do." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. man. I know him from the photograph." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I behind me. "Then how many are there?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about trying to your nerves." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. returned to France?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It on in his house." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Not particularly." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Get out!" said he. "Is he quiet?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Holmes' face clouded over. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man