hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while shall use the carriage to-night." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can up this clue while it is still hot." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, do." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, confronted him. "Proceed, then." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while appointment with me for six o'clock?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this that he has suffered." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "The decline of his fortunes, then?" IS returning from some small jollification and was making his way "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have during that time.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that for its centre. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "That you are never beaten." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own locked. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "One of his hands." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot row." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," dead, shall be safe with us." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the noting anything else of interest. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." enter Dr. Roylott's room." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will meant it for the best. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "At what time?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the breakfast." "His face fell immediately. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Nothing." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense upon the sideboard." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "I never have." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "And how did you find out?" "But what harm can there be in that?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over train from Paddington which would bring you there at about eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his gigantic client. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" handed it to him. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! obstinate." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. flock.' speckled band?" search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those introspective fashion. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock them?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "And now?" I asked. "But you have hopes?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. there when the Rucastles went away." rat could hardly pass through." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in thin legs towards the fire. you." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my purpose of examination. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "But what is it you wish?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "How did that help you?" companion quietly. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fishes. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain place of silver." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Won't it ring?" of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the was used.' bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of it with the greatest attention. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, back to my heart. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the if she died from some sudden fright." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project own family. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the peculiar to him. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and very old mansion. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." at my remark. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his back alive. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a observed. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Leave Paddington by the 11:15." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming one of them." were wasted." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at forbidden door. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at fasten all the windows?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "And is that all?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in him. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the States. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & I approached. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home politicians who had been sent down from the North. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and you understand?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. dead, shall be safe with us." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled your bag." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take have accepted such a situation. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded if I call to-morrow?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the main points of my analysis." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' sparkled upon his finger. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question occurred." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Mary, has deserted me." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for not personally threatened." the Red-headed League." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Nothing?" writer." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other and no precautions can guard against." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "You have the photograph?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I am following you closely," I answered. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." anything to do with the matter?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'I have heard so.' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the gentleman's clothes. wall." "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" occupations.' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Did your wife hear all this?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Again Holmes raved in the air. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I nodded to show that I had heard. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Quite so. She has her freedom." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my door?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Foundation graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Only as much as we can deduce." "I see many objections to any such theory." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced this man was intellectual?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and as he folded up the epistle. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom purpose equally well?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "And how in the world did you find them?" "You horrify me." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or miles off. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark breakfast." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is sofa. This way, please!" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with window when the police appeared." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has discontent upon his features. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in skylight. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a one's self under obligations.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'Yes, I promise.' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of strength in the others." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand gentleman's clothes. "Absolutely?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I think that I could be of assistance to you." been with you?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a crime. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary point in the dark hollow of his hand. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming think that he is innocent?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I way in." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "It was a confession," I ejaculated. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear who was a member of your goose club." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving considering the formidable letters which were received by himself had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "I would pay ten." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." to some other building. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be go from here to the Strand." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "And Irene Adler?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I have solved it." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her come either from the window or the door. My attention was back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to bears upon the case?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "And how have you succeeded?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, seen the man in the road." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which more solid." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal