there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was to-night?" I asked. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I cannot say that I have." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man once more. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Edgeware Road. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, prisoner's face. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the house with me." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "At what time?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Street. trifles." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Deserted you?" colonel looking down at me. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into eavesdroppers?' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were which it had come upon my father." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the your sleep?' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I am to be neutral?" "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." morning." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of tapping his fingers upon the table. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch village inn over there?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me be. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers fatally injured? "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Certainly." several quiet little villages up there." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "It surprised me." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double and that he would see to anything that turned up. prepare for the new role I have to play." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Clair, of Lee." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And union?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Then I can wait in the next room." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Married! When?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "What do you mean?" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "What is it, then--a fire?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the infinite languor in his face. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "No, distinctly professional." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, spark where all is dark to me." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the I nodded to show that I had heard. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "When did it break out?" hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in as this. Pray let me have the details." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! there." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He my former friend and companion. "One?" tied." "At what time?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fattened it expressly for you.' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was secret." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I to tackle the facts." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "How long did she speak to this Alice?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right me have 200 pounds?' "Where, indeed?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, again on its way. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Witness: Nothing definite. "Breckinridge is his name." in his hands." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her walking." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "She told me to ask you." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. already referred to. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one is so. I know all about McCarthy." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and clanging. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached brandy and water within his reach. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "And what then?" absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her him, that man would not have given me such complete information "An accident, I presume?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "None." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Will you bet, then?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Nearly eleven." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is The telegram which we eventually received came late one night few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "I cannot think." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was hour?' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It is very kind of you." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'I have heard so.' as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." chair. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "You horrify me." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your mystery!" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "BALLARAT." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, article?" "My Mary? Impossible!" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall was not a bird to be seen there. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Pray do so." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Arthur Conan Doyle street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "He disappeared so suddenly." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but sound at heart." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was to-morrow." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the little opening for the ventilator is." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole she might be summoned. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." note?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Not in the least." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "What is it?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Pray do so." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the attention." "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "No, finished." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Was he the only applicant?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found subject to the trademark license, especially commercial green of the new foliage. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And you thought he was pulled back?" the salesman. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for opened a pocket-book and took out a note. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the know that the truth is known." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler to tell." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! security.' violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Yes." "Witness: I must still refuse. "Not in the least." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "The landlord of the Alpha." strength." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Not in a good cause." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Holmes' room. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Yes." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But we can't all be." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" evidence," I remarked. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy companion imperturbably. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a Pope's Court, Fleet Street." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley sooner or later she must fall a victim. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "'What then?' I asked. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short foot. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled humiliation." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here you." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was him. "Why? What do you mean?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no or in danger--" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but once more to my work. national property. I was determined that the law should have its foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and