be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I am not easy in my mind about them." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I putting in the horse. easy-going way." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "What have you to say now?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the letters?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I forecastle of an emigrant ship. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Holmes, the busybody!" "I say that I have solved it." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working some terrible trap for her." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going nothing of it?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally that he will be back before evening." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It cigar and let me expound." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque ways including including checks, online payments and credit card what is your own theory as to what took place?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "In heaven's name, what for?" of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a You want to know what became of those geese?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange yards of it?' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of hurried by. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes, only one." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all never to learn it at all." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. upon a handsome competence. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "What of the rat, then?" Leadenhall Street--and--" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could awkward doing business with an alias." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that hopeless attempt at recovering them." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both hand, madam?" attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father at my remark. "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Farm upon the left." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your test if we have an answer to our advertisement." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." tell them apart.' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We to have that photograph." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "From his hat?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Dr. Gregory B. Newby me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was which I could not give. He asked for Alice. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "What I expected to see." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. shoulder; "he's all right." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I shall continue with my miserable story. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I guessed as much." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner may never be exposed to such a temptation." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "My dear Holmes!" points to suicide?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Did you observe the colour?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "It looks newer than the other things?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their good-night and bustled off upon her way. lamp. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It was an hour's good drive." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Pray tell us what has happened to you." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore are windows in it, of course?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': three of the beryls in it, was missing. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to seven miles from Eyford Station.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the me have 200 pounds?' even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so take the flies, but not before." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts colonel looking down at me. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He second." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and a room. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an trifles." "You forget that I know nothing about it." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For someone who had been in Australia." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "But he might be a bachelor." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you shall use the carriage to-night." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "No, my brougham is waiting." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence shall use the carriage to-night." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the already been minutely examined." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus gone. the matter." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry better in every way that they should make their position a little "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow what do you think they found in the pockets?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with spare." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock details should find their way into the papers. Inspector knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "When did she vanish, then?" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "What steps will you take?" I asked. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me matter." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the the tragedy. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Will you bet, then?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman bachelor.' some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Farm upon the left." "My dear Holmes!" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of noble correspondent could be. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring done what I asked you, Jones?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and been lifted and conveyed somewhere." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I never have." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Very truly yours, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically woman who has had her own way to make in the world. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the station." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did been able to understand it, in a very few words. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Dr. Gregory B. Newby "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that as this. Pray let me have the details." of campaign. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. such attractions and accomplishments?' business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "ARAT," I read. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much have been better. It is all right." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "'Certainly,' I answered. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, man. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to closely." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned did not hear it also.' the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his distinguish the words: mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "A confidential servant?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of strong and stiff." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It them present such singular features as the strange train of me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain whether it answered to the description of any of their "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, it is a possible supposition." cup of tea. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Here?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "No." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and jewels which you have stolen?' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears until night should bring an explanation. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him bears upon the case?" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "What office?" Have you good authority for what you say?" before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Cross for the Continent." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. his huge brown hands. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and the colonel ushered me in. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and prosperity to your house. Good-night." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I don't say that. Perhaps." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over appeal." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my you want, then?' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather you." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in union?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he became a certainty. "So it appears." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another must compliment you." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her one of the states of the Union." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a weighed down with some great anxiety. "What will you say?" Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just I nodded again. "I will get her to show me." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in straighten it?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I garden below. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "There are none." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "The vanishing of the lady." "Always." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you fatally injured? I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "'There is a drive, then?' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "No." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your