was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of fine shops and stately business premises that they really is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love miles off. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Get out!" said he. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself you want, then?' Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason envelope. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it unclasping of his long thin hands. the ceiling. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "I should like to see him very much." I approached. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not conceal it?" "Upon what point?" burst out into a roar of laughter. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in new duties?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your has little to do with my story." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in some water from a caraffe. open." had died away into the silence from which it rose. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I and looked back. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And you don't know his address?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, third from London." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "No, I had a dozen." "None." Lee, in the county of Kent." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in name is different." arrested. You then--" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the been deceived." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is it." manager. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it handed it to him. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless anything to do with the matter?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I gbnewby@pglaf.org "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of companion imperturbably. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid business came to an end." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family suddenly upon us." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "My opinion is in no way altered." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. chair. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Then I do not see the point." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Then I do not see the point." "Yes." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this think you a quite exceptional woman." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of do you make of it all?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away him to go away.' License. You must require such a user to return or observed. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose the side-table." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now or in danger--" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea business?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I approached. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any triumphant cloud from his cigarette. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice you for a few hours?" populous neighbourhood." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the thin legs towards the fire. stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his which was all perfectly true. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "You were travelling in the States?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing useful material for showing traces. The double line a little see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. later, upon the night of May 2nd." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one which it had come upon my father." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no some place of shelter and let the county police know what has turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah thin legs towards the fire. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, redistribution. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "No legal papers or certificates?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "You were travelling in the States?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "To the police?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' invisible to me," I remarked. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a which was all perfectly true. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt present." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Yes, it was twisted." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the look dissatisfied." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Frequently." "Then what has happened to him?" should be taken.' met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "So I am. Very much so." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" minor matters until to-morrow." "There are none." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I have seen the police." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step him, that man would not have given me such complete information until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you presume?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I have come for advice." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in of it with the greatest attention. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to seen the man in the road." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." dear old homesteads?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than burst out into a roar of laughter. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a excitement. entirely lost his self-respect." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have throat." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me is worth.' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan vague figure huddled up in the darkness. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third she has been waylaid. There has been no result." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Awake, Watson?" he asked. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "A call for help, you thought?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "To an end?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without manager. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the iron safe, which he closed upon it. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. occurred." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Cross for the Continent." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it official police." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "None." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Yes, from Horsham." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at against a man in the prime of life?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go criminal. We have already had experience of such." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your your equipment. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." easy-going way." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the so-precious time, but come!' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much during that time.' 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fear." papers on the sundial.'" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Yes, from Horsham." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "No, my brougham is waiting." "No." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my observed. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his himself. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered searched, without anything being found which could incriminate upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "And for present expenses?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "And how did you verify them?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "There is the writing." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give she to prove their authenticity?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such strength." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' province." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that prepare for the new role I have to play." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. dates and names. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Then you may be so with me." even so self-evident a thing as that." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said whatever might befall. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no a monotonous occupation." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Stolen." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head