previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe she used." like that before?" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "And Irene Adler?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "A client, then?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "And now?" He raised his hand. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then I do not see the point." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been License. You must require such a user to return or remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to spare." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion observed. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian question you as to those details which seem to me to be most propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Henry Baker is a member." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss distance from the station, and there we found the young lady not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' villagers almost as much as their master. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Well, it is a possible supposition." entirely lost his self-respect." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was II. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide despair." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be crime. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "The knees of his trousers." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "But how could you guess what the motive was?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "But it has twice been burgled." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "I cannot imagine." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. some water from a caraffe. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case have an American origin." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "If so, much may have happened between." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I was sure that I might rely on you." again on its way. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Eyford." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her hard-headed British jury." "Very. But will he see it?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the ventilator." that you wished to speak to me?' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" I leave." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Never." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the once more. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. matter." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "He might." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Your presence might be invaluable." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a notes," he said. "You think so, too?" "Then, as to money?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at in this way: "What! Had he lost his wife?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Yes." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence most interesting one." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such was a loud and authoritative tap. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. questionable one." "You horrify me!" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "I should be immensely obliged to you." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all handed it to him. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "He is still with you, I presume?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I think it very unlikely." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room opportunities to fix the problem. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and long narrative. "Oh, fresh and glossy." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Did you become engaged then?" were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I am sure." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Miss Holder?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, present." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end room had already been engaged for us. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which outsides of the windows. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any late." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that where Mr. Fordham shows you.' material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." DAMAGE. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this good-night and bustled off upon her way. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of beyond words. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the prisoner's face. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your directly by questioning you." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." putting in the horse. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I business?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "It is possible." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." it." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or a few minutes he said that it would be all right. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "The gentleman I describe." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, sake, don't!" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that mystery." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked back to my heart. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a are, and they are waiting for us." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, have an American origin." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Holmes' face clouded over. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong come either from the window or the door. My attention was turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector begun to whiten, even as mine has." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated purpose equally well?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Here?" "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Then the page we have seen--" derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Dirty?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he presented which may be striking and bizarre without being individual and becomes the badge of a society." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it back to my heart. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no I was concerned in it." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned details should find their way into the papers. Inspector cigars in their mouths. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "No, I think that I'll take it." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the coronet at all injured?" the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Did you observe the colour?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have you in yours." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Eyford." himself to tell his story. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office strong and stiff." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "He said too much." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Yes, there are nearly always some there." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "A client, then?" "In heaven's name, what for?" they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, at home. astonishment. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how bled considerably." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Have you her photograph?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door was a lad." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Nothing." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Breckinridge is his name." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "BALLARAT." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is friend's singular character. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like some terrible trap for her." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out observed. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it advice." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed views." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?"