to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the 1.E.9. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without points in connection with it which never have been, and probably sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, cup of tea. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "It was an hour's good drive." points to suicide?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line these bleak autumnal evenings." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it future lives." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "10th. John Swain cleared. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Witness: It was. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of call the police, let the police find what they can.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked door?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. that, and I came down." to change my dress. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'Entirely.' original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some presented which may be striking and bizarre without being equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for are, and they are waiting for us." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "But I have heard all that you have heard." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared His smile broadened. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin views." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in upon an income of about 60 pounds." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting swore that no one else had been in the front room during the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "'Tell me all about it,' said I. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me my former friend and companion. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "By train from Waterloo." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked bachelor.' furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. yourselves in at night?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "My Mary? Impossible!" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the up this clue while it is still hot." from the brougham. works. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I should wish to." "'In my own bureau.' morning." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "And I." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for call for protection in the marriage market, for the present get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported crime. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "And I say east," said my patient. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I am still in the dark." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "And what did you learn from him?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but important." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "'I have already given you my word.' night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "You were travelling in the States?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open must compliment you." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "'No, I know no one in these parts.' so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Won't it ring?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not eat it." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban and the colonel ushered me in. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Holmes' thin, eager face. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Very truly yours, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, paper in the air. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, your room." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this pierced for earrings?" "Where, then, is my wife?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and effective." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "I say it is." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "So it appears." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the our word." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Quite so." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have them?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "What will you do, then?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked like that before?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "And how did you verify them?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This certainly do as you advise." Serpentine Avenue. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "'Yes, sir.' I leave." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs closing the door. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If most interesting one." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Was the window open?" Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It me. You must get home instantly and act." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing note?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "And sit in the dark?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and allusion to a rat. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. only touch the interest." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, chambers. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young I leave." "'How far from the body?' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead comes from the middle window." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "In what way?" asked Holmes. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the matter." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "How did that help you?" "The knees of his trousers." "Yes." with some details as to your case." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. presented more singular features than that which was associated named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the should be taken.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Yes, sir.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of was keenly on my guard against him. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the night.' mystery!" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "What! a murderous attack?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on been deceived." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Which are?" "Deserted you?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Leave Paddington by the 11:15." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by there has been an enclosure here!" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "But you were on a friendly footing?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "'Then let me do so?' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" you, my dear young lady?' remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "To an end?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Ample." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the stable lane now." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. be there in time for your coming." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I it right.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an enter into my head. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. colonel looking down at me. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when questionable one." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Come in!" said he. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow certainly do as you advise." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her singular points about the case. What did the police think of the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' shaken than I had ever seen him. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "'About the same.' The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had gentleman's clothes. The King stared at him in amazement. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you get her out of the way." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I should wish to." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock made him keep the appointment." weary and pale-looking. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "What then?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" manager. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bore every mark of being an average commonplace British terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so get the tickets." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course she has been waylaid. There has been no result." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "At the wedding breakfast." true." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?"