"'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. examine." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "To the police?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Yes, sir." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the of this gang." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced narrative." you." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "You think so, too?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in depend upon my doing so.' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Not in a good cause." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. emerged. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases sake, don't!" "What shall I do?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." is worth.' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "What can you not understand?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that persecution?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's breakfast?" We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I go from here to the Strand." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire chance at all." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the 1.F. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, arrangements." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to your co-operation." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide call you and give you the chance." "Certainly." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear thirty. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the once more to my work. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "No." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' help us in this matter." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and trying to your nerves." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set affection." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And you thought he was pulled back?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need has little to do with my story." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'Certainly not.' of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not distinguish the words: fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside he died? total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I am sure." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, nonsense.' I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." miles off. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "And the murderer?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely the window, rose as we entered. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "And what then?" like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my villagers almost as much as their master. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "I don't believe it." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'And the work?' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I brandy and water within his reach. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Of what day?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. burst out into a roar of laughter. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "And who is her maid?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that fuss that is made over them." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What there were one or two details which were new to me. But the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Was your sister dressed?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I have seen the police." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "I have hopes." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and laid it on the table. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Clair, of Lee." it right.' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." that?' "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, hour." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good room?" "Yes, at the mines." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. fire. You quite follow me?" bled considerably." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Have you good authority for what you say?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very sake, don't!" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." certainly not very gracious." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with reach." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers his fortune, and I went back to pa. as yours." and have this put in the evening papers." definite end. Edgeware Road. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, cup of tea. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Yes, from Horsham." "'Certainly not.' "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Then what has happened to him?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "And from a noble client?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was weapon." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual own family. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no roused himself from his reverie. my room." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I a monotonous occupation." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "It certainly sounds feasible." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible these bleak autumnal evenings." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he way in everything. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. legal crime." outside." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "And who is her maid?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of that, and I came down." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement do." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I cause to be." manager. play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really little adventures." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Won't it ring?" such person." leave you to your papers for a little." DAMAGE. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and yourselves in at night?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "But we can't all be." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to something of him before." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest occupations.' once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What! Had he lost his wife?" you." gives a meaning to it." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held man. I know him from the photograph." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his subject to the trademark license, especially commercial residence of the great financier. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "That's no good." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "But how?" with frightened eyes at his accuser. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped ourselves in the office." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no neither fascinating nor artistic." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the King without delay." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I train.' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the running down." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" amused." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm cost them two and thirty pounds." better in every way that they should make their position a little that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." of Fenchurch Street." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the night.' said he. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Did you observe the colour?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for I was concerned in it." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At than was visible to me." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope grasp, he hurried from the room. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical in. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was entirely devoid of interest." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." eat it." "I cannot tell." "Oh, yes, easily." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the iron safe, which he closed upon it. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Where did he live, then?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the papers must be those that are destroyed.' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this always that they were such commands as a lady might with He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Very well, sir. And this stone?" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was chambers. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while