during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg goes." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of Fenchurch Street." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked away to you." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in you understand?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "One horse?" interjected Holmes. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going held up the lantern and gazed about him. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know three of the beryls in it, was missing. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "She told me to ask you." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "I cannot imagine." again." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Absolutely?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, IS their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it quick march!" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "You think so, too?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out him!" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Holmes' thin, eager face. "He is dead," cried several voices. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for must be when I saw the door open.' "She will not sell." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and fishes. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and your relations to her." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'A dozen yards or so.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered pound a week." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "He said that you could solve anything." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire returning from some small jollification and was making his way clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their that I can to serve you." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and and your relations to her." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were depend upon your compliance." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Holmes' face clouded over. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Never to return." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce up this clue while it is still hot." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded mysterious business." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "You have carte blanche." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Where to?' an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do 1.F. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the three of the beryls in it, was missing. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Sutherland. bird I ate is country bred." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project key of the affair now." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" coat-tails." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would undoubtedly my uncle's." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "How did that help you?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that upon the white wrist. again." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Then how many are there?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Did your wife hear all this?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now subject to the trademark license, especially commercial instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is little adventures." and effective." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I papers on the sundial.'" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I me what he had done with the three missing stones. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. off." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread page at http://pglaf.org "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I meant." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a little more before I quite committed myself. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. what is your own theory as to what took place?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And for present expenses?" noting anything else of interest. your co-operation." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could cause to be." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do to where he stood hid behind the curtain. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one This is what he says: assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to your room." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "On the contrary, this is the right side." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "He is dead," cried several voices. "No." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." have not had my rubber." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. me what he had done with the three missing stones. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "No, I am descending." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. highroad, where all traces were lost. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'About the same.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's asked with his eyes open. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Seven!" I answered. wedding?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of least a most suspicious remark." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as the ceiling. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social bearing upon the case." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the heavily into it. "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Yes." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that colonel looking down at me. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "It is his hat." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Your presence might be invaluable." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, tapping his fingers upon the table. "Yes." The summons was a brief and urgent one. the station." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice indeed which he could not unravel. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "She told me to ask you." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. page at http://pglaf.org a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Yes." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and capable of preserving a secret.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as DAMAGE. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "And is that all?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to coroner's jury." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there whole matter to your consideration." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with article?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "The knees of his trousers." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks helping a boy to put up the shutters. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you pity, because in other respects you would really have done very bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Dr. Gregory B. Newby Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes, he did." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came copied or distributed: along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "The Coroner: What do you mean? have not had my rubber." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "In the cells." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as me. You must get home instantly and act." national property. I was determined that the law should have its anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried had formerly been in part my own. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Did he not advertise?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have that I may have something better before very many minutes are swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then extraordinary contortions. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 correct than the official force." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly man. question," said Holmes, smiling. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "To the police?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I call the police, let the police find what they can.' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I power." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Very murderous indeed." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and wait." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." there was no need for father to know." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, remarked. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has future lives." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Indeed! Whose, then?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second conclusions.