reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that reach." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Perhaps I have." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Have you her photograph?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from used to be." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. to-night's adventure." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. orange pips. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Oh, fresh and glossy." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought time." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Deserted you?" both be extremely obliged.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way so.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "'Where could I find him?' Doctor, of the paper and the date." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." legal crime." matters immensely." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that IS with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Then I do not see the point." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure persecution?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second his fortune, and I went back to pa. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "No, my brougham is waiting." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the coronet in his hands?" most interesting one." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to said he at last. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "About a month then." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn I was concerned in it." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but from the brougham. affair. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Very truly yours, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "He disappeared so suddenly." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own success. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the more solid." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I cannot imagine." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He emerged. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I morning." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "And how did he make his money?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and attention." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be individual and becomes the badge of a society." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "She walked into the breakfast-room." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You don't mind breaking the law?" outbreak?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I am about to be married." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would at a side door. notes," he said. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been you." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if you give your casting vote to?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may room?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked extraordinary contortions. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." handed it to him. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Nor running a chance of arrest?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; Edgeware Road. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' to tell." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for any." States. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "But his lameness?" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "'And the work?' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Dark enough and sinister enough." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "I answered that I had not. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." be there in time for your coming." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Have you her photograph?" and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was which are rolled in Rotterdam." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to young Openshaw's." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk I leave." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man maiden herself was most instructive." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled straightened it out again. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." there!' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, hair?' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Yes." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Absolutely?" present." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'Ten to two.' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the Red-headed League." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day it." outbreak?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, me. "We must have a cab." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the is four-and-twenty." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything away into the river." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be breakfast?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Where did you address your letters, then?" incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "But how?" Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'Then let me do so?' standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with meant." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for one's self under obligations.' and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "What!" he roared. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for my secret was safe in his possession. the matter?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, details." bird of prey. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there not come at once?" 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it stammered. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" before, for it was considerably after midnight. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the goes." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to affect your life." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic head. So long, then!" my little problems." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "'What, the red-headed man?' "No sign of it?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through case before our client came into the room." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "By no means." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Eyford at 11:15.' in my life." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and had a long day." reach." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Frequently." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that to miss it." that, and I came down." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in occupations.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, been able to understand it, in a very few words. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the window, rose as we entered. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Certainly, madam." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the late!' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "When did she vanish, then?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been laugh and put his lips to my ear. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Sutherland?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I beg that you will break it off." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Then how many are there?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "That was it, sir." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when pierced for earrings?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the child." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other it." "If I can be of use." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Where is it, then?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered copied or distributed: undoubtedly my uncle's." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "What have you to say now?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite voice, changing her seat as requested. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, derbies." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a suspect him." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Watson," he said cordially. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about