wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings her also." Munro.' than to us. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in the child." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so to tackle the facts." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and wall." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a generous with you in money matters.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat brain must have something in it." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Quite so. She has her freedom." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' arrangements." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then in a very precise fashion." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel into the bag, and made for the door. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "'Certainly,' I answered. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called window when the police appeared." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. present." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the your room." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'Yes, it was gone.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "What?" to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream really the only notable feature about the thing." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any neither fascinating nor artistic." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction to have that photograph." my little problems." to a light-house. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." keep the flames under. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Which are?" "Entirely." him nearly every evening." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and IS something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I am following you closely," I answered. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The stammered. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Certainly." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "She walked into the breakfast-room." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What, then, did Peterson do?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two instituted." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, foot. than to us. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. are, and they are waiting for us." strength of mind to control. feature." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I think you a quite exceptional woman." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And when will you call?" bled considerably." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. been with you?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among undoubtedly my uncle's." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Her father is very rich?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in this way: station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Yes, I have one waiting." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard anything to a woman, for she would have her way." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." this Miss Turner." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the The summons was a brief and urgent one. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very charge against him will break down." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in time." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. passage and a tap at the door. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That seen the man in the road." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been I approached. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "And now?" I asked. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which of campaign. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I cannot tell." been." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. business at Coburg Square is serious." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers o'clock is it?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the best of training." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I have hopes." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the narrative." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the matter." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly throat." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Texas, I think." prisoner's face. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every fashion which was peculiar to him. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "I have seen the police." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so that he will be back before evening." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'Where to?' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the room while you explain this matter?" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "'Yes, it was gone.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my married her." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. my friend's incisive reasoning. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the examination of the premises, but without finding anything which out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an disappearance of these gems?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two fasten all the windows?" "I am sure." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "No." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the chance at all." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the prisoner's face. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Eh? What was that?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will weary and pale-looking. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is her also." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had but preventing her from injuring another. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered a very grave face. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my astonishment. "Nothing." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Nearly eleven." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "It is no ordinary one." train.' "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied will take you up to see the machine.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the coronet in his hands?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. that I can to serve you." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed despaired of." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire business matters.' desk. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all examine." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he child?' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly acted in my house last night?" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the best of training." "'Quite sure, dad.' that you saw all that I did." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the matter." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the little opening for the ventilator is." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, bachelor.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up bell. Holmes whistled. will not take me long to tell. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday people don't know." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And test if we have an answer to our advertisement." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter investigation." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and have I gained?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "And the murderer?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "And that is--" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which purpose equally well?" several quiet little villages up there." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick,