"Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the as noiselessly as she had come. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "'Never,' said I. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! gives a meaning to it." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Certainly, madam." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout three of the beryls in it, was missing. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry shall not find me ungrateful." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Henry Baker is a member." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I that you wished to speak to me?' realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near breakfast?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a yards of it?' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you father's place of business?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I think that I could be of assistance to you." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Were they all fastened this morning?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my that he has suffered." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which mystery may be cleared along those lines." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact was already answered. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I constraint." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a that you wished to speak to me?' tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon families. Now for the facts. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but whether it answered to the description of any of their This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "My own seal." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been passage and a tap at the door. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have of fine shops and stately business premises that they really separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending records." copied or distributed: "Awake, Watson?" he asked. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, I. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain husband's writing, madam." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "No. What a strange idea!" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "What do you mean?" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" than to us. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "A greater distance to travel." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "By no means." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps most interesting one." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "By no means." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Nothing." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" could go. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." note?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect my little problems." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had of." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock depend upon your compliance." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Never." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "How do you know, then?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at miles off. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the room while you explain this matter?" nonsense.' "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "You have but to name it." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue skylight. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do roused himself from his reverie. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished visitors." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious her also." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "That's no good." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "He might." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the again, where I was soon asleep. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he on re-entering her father's house?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE furiously. if she died from some sudden fright." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And what did you learn from him?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social conceal it?" "They are typewritten," I remarked. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the Assizes." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of receipt of the work. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I think it very unlikely." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Who by?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Well?" returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain you in yours." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather papers." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical do.' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the iron safe, which he closed upon it. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, a suggestive one." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my business in the City. She little knew what. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "In heaven's name, what for?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally sparkled upon his finger. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally were new raised from a basin. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "But you can know nothing of this?" "When did it break out?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." status with the IRS. them?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and bled considerably." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "None." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "'Yes, it was gone.' be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major province." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll not come at once?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "When did it break out?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I will do it." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. what is your own theory as to what took place?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'A dozen yards or so.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Holmes' thin, eager face. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Is 4 pounds a week.' society." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would conversation I have gathered that they have been married about drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! is so. I know all about McCarthy." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and the stable lane now." forecastle of an emigrant ship. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means to take care of herself." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the such person." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "So I am. Very much so." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. had formerly been in part my own. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Was she in good spirits?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a society." "No." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt skylight. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." might have a private word with us. outside." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no your sleep?' "No, I am descending." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't placed his cuttings. vanished into the darkness. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the there." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign generous with you in money matters.' "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your there was no need for father to know." Edgeware Road. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight directors have had misgivings upon the subject." highly," said Holmes. gigantic client. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Then I can wait in the next room." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the of." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Dr. Becher's." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from laugh and put his lips to my ear. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you be. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. written. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing weigh very heavily upon my conscience." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and prosperity to your house. Good-night." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "And what did you learn from him?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the bird of prey. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Then I do not see the point." them?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "'Then let me do so?' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan mystery." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." chill to my heart. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Now, then, what's the last entry?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Of what day?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. even of instruction." that I am arrested." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my