"I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as I have it here in my museum." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Doctor, of the paper and the date." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "And for present expenses?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Leadenhall Street--and--" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I have solved it." "That's no good." be. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a carried out of court." to surprise her." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a 1.E.9. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and fasten all the windows?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." that you wished to speak to me?' "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "'Yes, I promise.' might help us?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs handed it to him. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Well." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "'Ten to two.' right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that back to my heart. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it families. Now for the facts. photograph a cabinet?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "But what harm can there be in that?" guilty one." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be me, and I could not think that his explanation of the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "In answer to an advertisement." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And leave your case unfinished?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the companion quietly. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Was there a secret marriage?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, system of imprisonment?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Won't it ring?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. photograph?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of interests were the same as his." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" learned something! Where are the gems?" prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Texas, I think." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly thirty. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "It is no ordinary one." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg long narrative. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "The knees of his trousers." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong throat." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best tell them apart.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew never came back." ourselves in the office." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Yes." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson if only as a check to my own memory." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be into her hand at the door and which lured her within their instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Yes." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my case-book, which he consulted. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go ready to-morrow?' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it speckled band?" obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "He is still with you, I presume?" at once, for I have only half an hour." been." takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both the matter." "But to whom?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger copied or distributed: village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the and your relations to her." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be http://www.gutenberg.net whether it answered to the description of any of their instincts rose up against that laugh. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "How did that help you?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have touch that coronet?' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "What can you not understand?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I residence of the great financier. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "Why? What do you mean?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "And when will you call?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the man. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. father's young wife. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Where does the thing come from?' "I cannot imagine." do.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and correct than the official force." with some details as to your case." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical Cross for the Continent." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that details should find their way into the papers. Inspector one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid everything which you would wish to know." think that he is innocent?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid of them has the shutters up.' fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Yes." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Never." "My stepfather's business papers." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "I am in hopes that she does." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The gentleman I describe." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it interested in these little problems, and since you are good of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think morning." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'I have already given you my word.' I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all charge against him will break down." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Who by?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and dead, shall be safe with us." house for five minutes.' manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "No?" "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, depend upon your compliance." and all of them with the keenest interest. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "And how in the world did you find them?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Can I be of assistance?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have woman." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and no precautions can guard against." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by showing my impatience. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told bird I ate is country bred." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can green of the new foliage. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Yes, at the mines." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the room?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary careless servant girl?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. true." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I will do it." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I think it very unlikely." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "What then?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this pictures, libraries, or plate. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to had died away into the silence from which it rose. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the spark where all is dark to me." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "I am to be neutral?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "Thank you. And your address?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said call the police, let the police find what they can.' "To ruin me." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Yes, all." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, electronic works head. So long, then!" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "Breckinridge is his name." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the little adventures." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside that threaten you." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. looking up at the numbers of the houses." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He my former friend and companion. key of the affair now." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. you." presume?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was seem to you to be relevant or not." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with not within a twentieth part of the market price." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." important." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It is a murder, then?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside retorted upon me, and I on you." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." cup of tea. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "The Cedars?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a