"Of what?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing obstinate." case before our client came into the room." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A noble correspondent could be. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "He said too much." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "It is true that I have been generally successful." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "It was an hour's good drive." mysterious end." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was is a common subject for conversation. "And leave your case unfinished?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose II. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, memory. fasten all the windows?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here that you wished to speak to me?' us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it advice." "Yes, all." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the for the market.' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with better in every way that they should make their position a little "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in considering the formidable letters which were received by himself As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "What is it?" "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we time." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from God! What an exposure! What can I do?" habit of advancing money.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" wife's character?" "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the be.' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Did you observe the colour?" "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "No. What a strange idea!" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "But how will you look?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in later, upon the night of May 2nd." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You know me, then?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the your billet.' "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Deserted you?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by four million human beings all jostling each other within the wedding?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Yes, only one." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "None." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these His name is Francis Prosper." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall yards of it?' you." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of quick march!" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Were they all fastened this morning?" "That is unusual in a young girl." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "No good news?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "When did she vanish, then?" vault. "I have a cab outside." take the flies, but not before." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." success. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "You were travelling in the States?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped make me his representative both with the servants and with the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the goes." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. may have an influence upon European history." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on of campaign. had formerly been in part my own. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'Certainly not.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the this Miss Turner." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "About a month then." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay giving me time to thank him. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "The landlord of the Alpha." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of Fenchurch Street." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources narrative." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "No, I think that I'll take it." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with place of silver." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I have seen the police." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "To an end?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would speckled band?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included existence." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you enough to aid us in our search." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, unprofitable." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Well, but China?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "No, I think that I'll take it." III. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "You have compromised yourself seriously." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. ran thus: along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little pictures, libraries, or plate. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face is acting for the best. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." not, dad?" she asked. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "And sit in the dark?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "It is to him that this trophy belongs." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "It is true that I have been generally successful." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the him and tried to hold him back. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "You have a clue?" "Do you go out much in society?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly in your London, you will know that the office of the company is advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to six. Come in!" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both have an American origin." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Who was the criminal, then?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Can I be of assistance?" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "My photograph." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution suspect him." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, but preventing her from injuring another. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her what do you think they found in the pockets?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "I guessed as much." him to be an active member of the medical profession." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the floor. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Holmes." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the written. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, attention." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "He is dead," cried several voices. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Countess of Morcar's?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "And you can do nothing until then?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble arms and began to sob in a high treble key. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret go from here to the Strand." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'Why that?' I asks. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the disappearance of the bride.'" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and glanced through. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to his chemical studies. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are useful material for showing traces. The double line a little garden below. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "What! You do not mean bodies?" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point into the room. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, over with notes and figures. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town it right.' promised to bring home. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "No. What a strange idea!" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, go--none." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. closely." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." remarked. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get for securing the situation." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the warnings." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of and it need not interfere very much with one's other do.' flock.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an compunction about shooting them down." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." had a long day." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his within hail.' in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "It is a murder, then?" back into the street. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before brain must have something in it." "And your father? Did you tell him?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining fattened it expressly for you.' We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his