can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on key of the affair now." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The cigars in the box." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, bonnet, and went out." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "What! Had he lost his wife?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Oh, fresh and glossy." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall go back?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I think that it is very probable." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding leave you to your papers for a little." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of hurried away. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Holmes' face clouded over. "How are you getting on?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will matter." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'How far from the body?' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his strength in the others." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, bare slabs of marble. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I should wish to." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "In which, sir?" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Was there a secret marriage?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." cheerful." made him keep the appointment." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and said he. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "One?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Certainly." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'You cannot say what it was?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of highroad, where all traces were lost. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Mary, has deserted me." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" then?" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "That sounds a little paradoxical." been shamefully used." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the paper in the air. hereditary King of Bohemia." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the enter Dr. Roylott's room." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed strength." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. heavily into it. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a death." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Holmes." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Yes." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your towards the blaze. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to suspect him." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door than to us. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than assist you in forming an opinion." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "But his left-handedness." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a morning." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story of." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." little trying to do so much typewriting?" some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "My opinion is in no way altered." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Yes, there are nearly always some there." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Holmes, the busybody!" back alive. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Precisely so. But how--" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry infinite languor in his face. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "She will not sell." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." you in yours." know that the truth is known." out of this horrible affair." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my mystery!" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition respectable self." a very grave face. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Were they all fastened this morning?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid national property. I was determined that the law should have its would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I don't say that. Perhaps." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "But you can know nothing of this?" "And now?" I asked. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' characteristics, but those are the more obvious." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Could he throw no light?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do desk. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of forebodings. the matter?" had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Well, but China?" "I am all attention, madam." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to that open window." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Certainly." the Red-headed League." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after you?' words came to my lips. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "It was a confession," I ejaculated. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through signal between you and your father? "And help." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On least a fellow-countryman. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the house with me." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the that he will be back before evening." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for appeared upon the scene." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "No." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' lumber-room." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Cross for the Continent." the roots. strength." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to a more successful conclusion." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "It looks newer than the other things?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "It certainly sounds feasible." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there started for the Temple to see my husband. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "I think that it is very probable." of the vacancies.' amused." "If I can be of use." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her particular state visit http://pglaf.org platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is leave you to your papers for a little." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. and that he would see to anything that turned up. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." bears upon the case?" appeal." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "The best possible." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have murdered man." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an nothing of it?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "You think so, too?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that lumber-room." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it ashen face. way: colour had been driven from his face. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would sofa. This way, please!" seven miles from Eyford Station.' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You horrify me!" there has been an enclosure here!" is so. I know all about McCarthy." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "But how could you guess what the motive was?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. on re-entering her father's house?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Pope's Court. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "My private note-paper." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America conduct the inquiry." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. his huge brown hands. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "A greater distance to travel." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "And when will you call?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must himself to tell his story. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, burst out into a roar of laughter. you." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do Street. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a little adventures."