on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Well, but China?" John Swain, of St. Augustine. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, would apply.' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Then, as to money?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Who by?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat details should find their way into the papers. Inspector are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his grey eyes. throat." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, promised to bring home. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and have established a very serious case against the son of the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Then I am your man." "It surprised me." where she found matters as described by the last witness. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of fattened it expressly for you.' him, that man would not have given me such complete information newspaper selections." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California about. imbecility!" he cried. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to Leatherhead. "What will you do, then?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to must compliment you." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "It is very kind of you." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly a very grave face. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the mysterious business." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to go from here to the Strand." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know existence." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is Sholtos." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I keep the flames under. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Has he come with you to-night?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Where to?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how system of imprisonment?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the house with me." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings recover the gem." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "I am in hopes that she does." fuss that is made over them." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me views." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "It is possible." prison!" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what memory. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper other, as fresh and trim as possible. remarked. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has families. Now for the facts. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No little trying to do so much typewriting?" dear old homesteads?" fluttered off among the others. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his annoyance, but no jest. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to the roots. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen new duties?' "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself room. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Count Von Kramm." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "I don't believe it." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the daring than any effort of the imagination." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a notes," he said. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I have come for advice." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, it." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they already been minutely examined." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez call it cruel." "'Oh, no.' "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "And your father? Did you tell him?" to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, chance at all." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "'Most admirably.' the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "VIOLET HUNTER." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life once more on the important position which you have been fortunate journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his II. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my will take you up to see the machine.' He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend coroner's jury." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. past. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Thank you. Pray proceed." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from to a more successful conclusion." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear breakfast." could not have written that. It is the German who is so distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than be. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "'Yes.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "The knees of his trousers." it right.' Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "VIOLET HUNTER." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the certainly not very gracious." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had cigars in the box." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, it were putty." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle spark where all is dark to me." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, points to suicide?" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "She walked into the breakfast-room." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double DISSOLVED. "But how will you look?" "My last client of the sort was a king." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Thank you. Pray proceed." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When wedding?" enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Yes?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it hurried by. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the was a perfect sample of the class. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Yes. He waved his hands." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which soul! here is her carriage at the door." see a sister of mine apply for." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Thank you. Pray proceed." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Nor running a chance of arrest?" money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "'What would be the hours?' I asked. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "I shall be delighted." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Ah, but I was recommended to you." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, thirty. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "How often?" bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon individual and becomes the badge of a society." Street. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "An enemy?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and tell them apart.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Yes, all." his knees, staring into the fire. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I will do it." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you morning." Lee, in the county of Kent." figure." "I would pay ten." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence distinguish the words: determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father here and I will read it to you: "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with silent! Oh, he will be silent!' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of call you and give you the chance." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in present." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "How did that help you?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over sofa. This way, please!" a very grave face. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have