friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "And from a noble client?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its him and tried to hold him back. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "No, distinctly professional." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "You forget that I know nothing about it." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. there when the Rucastles went away." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), round and wave him away like that.' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Which are?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg face and glided from the room. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "None." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "The Coroner: What do you mean? should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of in the port of London." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "You have it, sir, just as it happened." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I am following you closely," I answered. late." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE back to my heart. brandy and water within his reach. to have that photograph." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "It is possible." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Then he might have called to you?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure weigh very heavily upon my conscience." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the certainly do as you advise." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no away in different directions, and I went off to make my own His smile broadened. "'What then?' I asked. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady him!" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know in this way: You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Very much so." mysterious business." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the morning and make my own way in the world.' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since your Highness to the police-station?" Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Eyford." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and make me his representative both with the servants and with the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length future lives." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was in his power. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "What steps will you take?" I asked. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Certainly." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty been shamefully used." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It looks newer than the other things?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: sooner or later she must fall a victim. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to III. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," carriage. It was a chestnut." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fuss that is made over them." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair His smile broadened. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, instincts rose up against that laugh. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, them?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped province." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." light and attacked it." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." nice household for a young lady." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! to tell." that sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, about. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the Friday. Was it to be in church?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when gentleman's clothes. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing call for it in person on Monday morning.' that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Oh, yes, easily." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Where did he live, then?" the driver. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope for the market.' questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must likely to be some crony of the landlady's." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "How long did she speak to this Alice?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "My private note-paper." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "And how have you succeeded?" latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "It is to him that this trophy belongs." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "No sign of it?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these foot. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress strong reason behind." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the think you a quite exceptional woman." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless these bleak autumnal evenings." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "So it appears." have got?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "And how did you find out?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he appeal." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I know where it is." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "No, I had a dozen." "'What do you call purely nominal?' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm quite distinctive." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we disappearance of these gems?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of for the market.' "In the cells." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while placed his cuttings. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the about here speaks of his kindness to him." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at joking. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she made him keep the appointment." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Then you may be so with me." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "He said too much." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a despair." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me fear." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. said I. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Entirely." attention." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "A confidential servant?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I say that I have solved it." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this learned something! Where are the gems?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has would apply.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept there when the Rucastles went away." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming know what is wrong with it.' lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "Here?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." dead, shall be safe with us." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "You'll never persuade me to believe that." open." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Not social, then?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "And how in the world did you find them?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, and inquire as to the address." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two people in all walks of life. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "What will you say?" 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "We must have a cab." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "What do you make of that, Watson?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Always." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "The vanishing of the lady." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning be. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to and effective." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to passage and a tap at the door. meanly of me." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Certainly." without a word or a look. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Well, but China?" correct than the official force." to talk it over. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. you in your example." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of hereditary King of Bohemia." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for have got?" "Upon what point?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an in one or two places in England?' woven round him. "Witness: I must still refuse. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same man. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Certainly, madam." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the there has been an enclosure here!" brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his appointment with me for six o'clock?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my infinite languor in his face. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "By all means." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "An enemy?" tail." the salesman. of a light. with you?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all prepare for the new role I have to play." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "That is easily got." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I should wish to." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and the colonel ushered me in. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Then I am your man." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most