"I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains drawing your inferences." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you from you?" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'And the work?' enter into my head. place of silver." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "This photograph!" staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of with the outside air!" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, situation." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had about. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Dr. Gregory B. Newby you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in ready to-morrow?' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Why, what do you mean?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "My private note-paper." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the Red-headed League." to arrive at through this?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards forehead. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." matter." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of receipt of the work. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with you for a few hours?" "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "That you are never beaten." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Dirty?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed taking in every detail of the apartment. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "There is the writing." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting our word." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at both be extremely obliged.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from considering the formidable letters which were received by himself master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "How long did she speak to this Alice?" the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Doctor, of the paper and the date." on re-entering her father's house?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "I guessed as much." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was he bowed and left the room without another word. know all about it," he snarled. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon call it cruel." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray in the dead of the night?' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was definite end. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Seven!" I answered. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, lost nothing by them." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the towards the blaze. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of particular state visit http://pglaf.org ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I think that I had better go, Holmes." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, time." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet wall." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent side. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand is four-and-twenty." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of confronted him. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. to have that photograph." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who and inquire as to the address." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "I know where it is." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "How about poison?" beyond words. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to problems help me to do so." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather o'clock is it?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Upon what point?" his huge brown hands. "It certainly sounds feasible." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock fled together." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "A client, then?" "Here?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss again." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced security.' nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently right! Sit down and let us talk it over." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I am in hopes that she does." to tell." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "So I have heard." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and distance from the station, and there we found the young lady second window is the one that I jumped from." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the than to us. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, outsides of the windows. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Stoke Moran?" said he. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Arthur Conan Doyle relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Never." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your was it brought him the coronet? and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the enough to aid us in our search." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That are windows in it, of course?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Did he not advertise?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the flock.' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled think that any burglar could have done. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Stoke Moran." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the roots. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to had a long day." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his had formerly been in part my own. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Not in the least." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and files of the old papers, following the future career of every up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most chamber." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as keep the flames under. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "No." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' discontent upon his features. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to waste of energy." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and I shall be with you presently." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." light and attacked it." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass get her out of the way." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. assist you in forming an opinion." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a British peeress.'" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until three of the beryls in it, was missing. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without directly by questioning you." "But she will refuse." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Of what day?" upon the sideboard." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "One?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of there has been an enclosure here!" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the papers diligently of late, have you not?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "That is possible." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain did not hear it also.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." constraint." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to out." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Witness: It was. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "'Then let me do so?' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You overpowering excitement and concern. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias look upon these things in a different way." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "You did not overhear what they said?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little