chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the stones. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger unkempt, staring out at me. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution believe that I should never have any practice at all. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the writer." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'Ten to two.' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Will you bet, then?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Can I be of assistance?" the coronet in his hands?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, that I am arrested." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough that he has suffered." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange affection." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent right! Sit down and let us talk it over." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was views." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin His smile broadened. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "What do you mean?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined behind me. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself But Holmes shook his head gravely. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side who was a member of your goose club." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "No more words. Get out!" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Yes, sir." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold house for five minutes.' "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a bonnet, and went out." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, there when the Rucastles went away." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" look upon these things in a different way." ordinary clothes on?" night.' said he. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" will take you up to see the machine.' "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "To an end?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Precisely." character. very morning of my second wedding." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "And what did you see?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would happened." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the coroner come to?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door someone who had been in Australia." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "And you can do nothing until then?" prepare for the new role I have to play." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in money should be paid at once.' taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect directors, with the result that you have seen." "'Is purely nominal.' "Did he not advertise?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Precisely." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him it." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I think it very unlikely." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As flock.' "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bird I ate is country bred." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "From his hat?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Yes." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, tightly behind him. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "But what harm can there be in that?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the thought that she would have been so carried away." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. in his hands." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "But I have heard all that you have heard." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were prove to be little relation between the different incidents of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the must compliment you." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white whole matter to your consideration." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There as this. Pray let me have the details." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, carpenter." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master families. Now for the facts. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated your only hope of safety." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "How about poison?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I fasten all the windows?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before I have it here in my museum." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She money should be paid at once.' was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal meant." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Yes." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem may have an influence upon European history." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We woman." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. you understand?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' late!' together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your III. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "He might." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Dr. Gregory B. Newby have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Where to?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom examine." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further formed some opinion?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, depend upon your compliance." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the inner apartment." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "He might." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Well." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, weighed down with some great anxiety. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed ashen face. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say as he remarks, very much against the son." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "But the mystery?" "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, eavesdroppers?' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "In heaven's name, what for?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet stalked out of the room. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What of the rat, then?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Well, some hundreds of times." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "What is it, then--a fire?" was a perfect sample of the class. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to and the colonel ushered me in. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, already referred to. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my business at Coburg Square is serious." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Were they all fastened this morning?" is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had place no limit on the sum I may draw." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was your own bird, so if you wish--" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be keep the flames under. "I would give my fortune to have them back." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed rose-bushes. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he brought there to personate someone, and the real person is something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little him to go away.' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "I cannot imagine." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the one as in the other." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is this man was intellectual?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid lost his Christmas dinner." "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their ceremony." keep the flames under. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "No bad?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's lamp. danger is over." are, and they are waiting for us." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? so.' James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Yes." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their remarked. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "By train from Waterloo." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "At the wedding breakfast." unprecedented a position." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away situation." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Where is it, then?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Very murderous indeed." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he best detective that ever lived. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before very morning of my second wedding." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "My Mary? Impossible!" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, of it with the greatest attention.