should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Pool. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," American. Then who could this American be, and why should he red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "And is that all?" and a shock of very red hair. "The vanishing of the lady." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "That is also quite modern," said the lady. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments breakfast and whispered something to her husband. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Was there a secret marriage?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while where Mr. Fordham shows you.' stalked out of the room. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "It looks newer than the other things?" Have you good authority for what you say?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would possible that we could bring him back to her? fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and wife's character?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my it." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind said I. bears upon the case?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H gone before you can get him to hospital." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised remarked. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Then you may be so with me." "From his hat?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. man. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "The landlord of the Alpha." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since locked." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'Where could I find him?' on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a I approached. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Here?" "And I to find an enemy." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "My dear Holmes!" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to you." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Cross for the Continent." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." http://www.gutenberg.net occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Precisely." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved strength of mind to control. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. matter over." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major John Swain, of St. Augustine. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "How did you trace it, then?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Never." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much such attractions and accomplishments?' would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I floor. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." matters immensely." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking eavesdroppers?' followed. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, may never be exposed to such a temptation." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and shall probably return to London by the evening train." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "He slept on the premises." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban whereabouts. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the official police." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away to tell." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. late." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought putting in the horse. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it south, for the country is more deserted there." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it II. as noiselessly as she had come. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "He said too much." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "It came here." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our there in twenty minutes." The King stared at him in amazement. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs detained." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after rat could hardly pass through." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he outbreak?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the populous neighbourhood." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this has little to do with my story." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. himself to tell his story. the very morning of the wedding." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily to take care of herself." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should congratulate you again." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was arrangements." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "None." grasp, he hurried from the room. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the introspective fashion. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest chance." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "You saw the ventilator, too?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "And when will you call?" with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "It was." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "You have but to name it." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "We must have a cab." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency companion. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in wedding?" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me strong and stiff." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of throat." people don't know." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I never have." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a it were putty." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I would give my fortune to have them back." me where it went to?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She down. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I am about to be married." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on lost nothing by them." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was photograph?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary used to be." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very fear." carriage. It was a chestnut." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us to affect your life." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And I." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may useful material for showing traces. The double line a little furiously. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more fled together." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come charged with?" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from prisoner's face. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "You are hungry," I remarked. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Could he throw no light?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton new acquaintance to Baker Street. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. where we are going." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, garden below. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Watson," he said cordially. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a that, and I came down." just ask you whether you had heard it.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Pray continue your narrative." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to me. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "ARAT," I read. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been It may be so in this case, also." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the an introduction to him?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to-night." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "Not in the least." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I will try. What is it?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the that I can to serve you." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, delighted to hear it," he said. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the crime." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "The vanishing of the lady." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And now?" He raised his hand. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. daring than any effort of the imagination." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. highroad, where all traces were lost. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in showing my impatience. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "No." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into likely to be some crony of the landlady's." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the it." hair?' accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she