be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Street. to change my dress. of the one which your family is now devouring." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a the matter?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the very letters. But what is this written above them?' and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again case-book, which he consulted. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "How did he come?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as colour had been driven from his face. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Which dealer's?' focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet tied." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "And how in the world did you find them?" presume?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "And how in the world did you find them?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to question. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Could he throw no light?" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into copied or distributed: we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was again on its way. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. bare slabs of marble. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'Stolen!' he cried. "But your client--" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well it. bill, which interests me deeply." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and During two years I have had three consultations and one small completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "And how have you succeeded?" examine." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's him." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he tassel actually lying upon the pillow. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Was the window open?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "That is possible." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am friend's singular character. "Your sister is dead, then?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of I am not easy in my mind about them." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Munro.' he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or gives a meaning to it." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the handed it to him. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us himself to tell his story. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the Assizes." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She to change my dress. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when key of the affair now." "Yes, from Horsham." stalked out of the room. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it kindly on the shoulder. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I colour had been driven from his face. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I humiliation." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' strength of mind to control. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Seven!" I answered. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "I am to be neutral?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I overpowering excitement and concern. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that cup of tea. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other them?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Has he come with you to-night?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Arthur Conan Doyle certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow do.' "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your electronic works a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not tell me that you intended to go into harness." read it out to me." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I am sure." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. spare." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "'Yes.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need that there was nothing in it, after all." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Pray continue your narrative." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." must compliment you." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "But not more so than I to find you." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion there was no need for father to know." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "A greater distance to travel." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as know what is wrong with it.' there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Won't it ring?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to families. Now for the facts. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** upon a handsome competence. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm voice. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "And you can do nothing until then?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." outside. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in disappearance of the bride.'" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be This is what he says: Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "But how could you guess what the motive was?" second window is the one that I jumped from." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, morning." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently both be extremely obliged.' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you McCarthy's innocence. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Cross for the Continent." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first IS me." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "It is half-past ten now." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "The decline of his fortunes, then?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, newspaper selections." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the third from London." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. unprofitable." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "What can it mean?" I gasped. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Surrey." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. security.' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a green of the new foliage. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "No." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I do." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking unkempt, staring out at me. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Yes, it would be as well." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "What I expected to see." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and something of him before." six. Come in!" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too became a certainty. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "It must be recovered." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go my secret was safe in his possession. "It is a murder, then?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the spare." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" even so self-evident a thing as that." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, written, and locked the door of the office after me. His name is Francis Prosper." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, outside." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the Red-headed League." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" compunction about shooting them down." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Absolutely none." there is a decided draught." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. see me here to avoid scandal." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Very. But will he see it?" true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "The knees of his trousers." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." bachelor.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle straightened it out again. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Stolen." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the voice. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "You have carte blanche." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the investigation." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "How did you deduce the select?" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to call for it in person on Monday morning.' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding strength in the others." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its important." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. all that?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the