"It looks newer than the other things?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. papers on the sundial.'" his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of was shining brightly. Pope's Court. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were she used." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Thank you. And your address?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out one else, I think." to tell." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' beg that you will break it off." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. notes," he said. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads his face. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. held up the lantern and gazed about him. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the night.' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. carried out of court." had this final quarrel? observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to bell. Holmes whistled. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the carried out of court." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was such attractions and accomplishments?' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I crime." "We must have a cab." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "'I shall certainly be there.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the loss of it. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to if only as a check to my own memory." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any and files of the old papers, following the future career of every years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "What is it?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her upon the sideboard." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against disappearance of the bride.'" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive seven miles from Eyford Station.' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very occurred." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "He disappeared so suddenly." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "'Certainly not. But why?' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "No." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "None. Neville wrote those words." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that outside." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw use an arc-and-compass breastpin." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another closing the door. "In what way?" asked Holmes. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing annoyance, but no jest. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with their singular warning or token before them when starting upon upon the white wrist. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And I say east," said my patient. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "He disappeared so suddenly." was a loud and authoritative tap. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "She told me to ask you." "'I have heard so.' posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign confronted him. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, extraordinary contortions. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Yes, at the mines." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here narrative." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had during that time.' "No, I am descending." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the burst out into a roar of laughter. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I never have." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There or other trace. But how on earth--" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. stalked out of the room. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it a suggestive one." "Just look it up, then." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the King without delay." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his prisoner's face. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass have had none more fantastic than this." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant My friend smiled. him to go away.' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to change my dress. sound at heart." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent showing my impatience. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is 'please.'" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Was she in good spirits?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "If so, much may have happened between." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, for securing the situation." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings from the brougham. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than purpose equally well?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "He is still with you, I presume?" nights." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "And the cigar-holder?" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; hardly wander." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Dr. Becher's." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what horse could go." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'A dozen yards or so.' and it need not interfere very much with one's other was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his will be renamed. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put will he say when he returns?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and effective." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I see many objections to any such theory." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." to me. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than to-morrow." that you wished to speak to me?' madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'And the work?' "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Not yet." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by could go. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of fatally injured? "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great kindly on the shoulder. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly arrangements." beyond words. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Then I do not see the point." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right will not take me long to tell. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, little adventures." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "He slept on the premises." results." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." never will be, entirely cleared up. "But we can't all be." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of sofa. This way, please!" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "You are all wrong." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "What is it, then--a fire?" pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "I have solved it." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant about. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I floor. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Not in the least." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress husband's writing, madam." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Quite so." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to my former friend and companion. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "How can you tell that?" "Your French gold?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence singular points about the case. What did the police think of the now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "She will not sell." occupations.' previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "His face fell immediately. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Pray be precise as to details," said he. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you quickly through a disagreeable task. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I should like to see him very much." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was at once, for I have only half an hour." my friend's incisive reasoning. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Stolen." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were certainly do as you advise." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back her also." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me and the church but not where the lady lived." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will room?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. meanly of me." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "The vanishing of the lady." events than those which have happened in my own family." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of beyond words. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary and prosperity to your house. Good-night." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' thought that she would have been so carried away." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." him. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, a room. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Pray continue your narrative." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the fait accompli?" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to now. It seems that there had been some informality about their silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. that you saw all that I did." "My dear Holmes!" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Yes?" digesting their breakfasts at home." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of lips." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of geese which you supplied to the Alpha." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. next day. Count Von Kramm." "Why did you pick him?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Where is it, then?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however,