"You have a clue?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I see no marks." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations my friend's incisive reasoning. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock was not a bird to be seen there. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "You were travelling in the States?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not, dad?" she asked. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite she might be summoned. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the stones. "Yes." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case was already answered. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "No, I had a dozen." you." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem the general public were present, then?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then best detective that ever lived. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "You have the photograph?" in this note: believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and second." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Perhaps I have." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "This photograph!" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't charge against him will break down." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and open." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the window, rose as we entered. have an American origin." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to-night's adventure." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'And the work?' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has more solid." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have dates and names. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' generous with you in money matters.' the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the entirely devoid of interest." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he side. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, presented more singular features than that which was associated "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found noting anything else of interest. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step been shamefully used." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "And Irene Adler?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the shall use the carriage to-night." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There get her out of the way." You want to know what became of those geese?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Yes, from Horsham." upon the shelf for the interim." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should straightened it out again. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "He said that you could solve anything." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'Yes, it was gone.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "I was sure that I might rely on you." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. tied." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR his face which made him a very different person to the round, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas outside. "What is it?" and all of them with the keenest interest. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and in. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever For additional contact information: the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so me upon any point which I do not make clear." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured these bleak autumnal evenings." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a cigars in the box." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you to some other building. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which words came to my lips. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "May I see it?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Leave Paddington by the 11:15." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give laugh and put his lips to my ear. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "And what did you learn from him?" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" green of the new foliage. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "None." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey get the tickets." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried make me his representative both with the servants and with the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." that threaten you." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can 'I should be able to look after that for you.' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which are rolled in Rotterdam." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and a shock of very red hair. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the loss of it. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so carpenter." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Yes.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "It is a murder, then?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the written, and locked the door of the office after me. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The his wife has ceased to love him." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried answered with a sidelong glance. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been there when the Rucastles went away." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Watson," he said cordially. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save out of this horrible affair." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had said he. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both what do you think they found in the pockets?" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. key turn in the lock." "Certainly." were new raised from a basin. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, forehead. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the appointment with me for six o'clock?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I beg pardon." other lovers by making love himself." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I your equipment. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "Certainly, madam." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in and looked back. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "No legal papers or certificates?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence rooms." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence for the market.' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I would give my fortune to have them back." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the window, rose as we entered. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when in this way: body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the very letters. But what is this written above them?' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'I am sure that I do not know.' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I been." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Yes?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked questionable one." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when have an American origin." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it details." you." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I good-night and bustled off upon her way. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the all-comprehensive glances. himself to hunt down. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the room while you explain this matter?" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into quick march!" fact, we may call it conclusive." until night should bring an explanation. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have through." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "What! a murderous attack?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "We were both in the photograph." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better II. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may introspective fashion. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or be. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life page at http://pglaf.org should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the upon a handsome competence. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was reach." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite it." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, that you saw all that I did." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "What of the rat, then?" in a very precise fashion." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. introspective fashion. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Upon what point?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from at my own good fortune. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a article?" Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Yes, he did." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work in him." Sholtos." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Never." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I cannot tell." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view will not take me long to tell. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "About a month then." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our