the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "That is it on the dressing-table." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps purpose equally well?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his village inn over there?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are pound a week." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to acquaintance?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Edgeware Road. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "It is very kind of you." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "No?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the roots. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, to a more successful conclusion." point in the dark hollow of his hand. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which vague figure huddled up in the darkness. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "My stepfather's business papers." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! criminal. We have already had experience of such." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a have I gained?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Pool. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "On Monday." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper suspect him." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Literary Archive Foundation you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" astonishment. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House feature." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, conclusions. "Yes." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, his forehead." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned prove to be little relation between the different incidents of received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to which we had just quitted. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the little opening for the ventilator is." "It is possible." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Your presence might be invaluable." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "None." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a about. "No bad?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for particular state visit http://pglaf.org shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of me where it went to?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I not within a twentieth part of the market price." weapon." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been tear off another piece?' Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It I have it here in my museum." "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Dr. Becher's." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, waste of energy." to talk it over. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "You were travelling in the States?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "And when will you call?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have in. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "A greater distance to travel." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," other lovers by making love himself." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, case-book, which he consulted. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "You are all wrong." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A gone. "You have but to name it." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I cannot imagine." to tell." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. beyond words. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "No bad?" "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he before the coroner and the police-court." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the driver. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to my special province." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and annoyance, but no jest. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'A dozen yards or so.' "What I expected to see." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and would apply.' from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Well, it is a possible supposition." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "We were both in the photograph." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we gbnewby@pglaf.org controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of a light. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together been with you?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless putting in the horse. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Very truly yours, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the later, upon the night of May 2nd." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Holmes rather sternly. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "What of the rat, then?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been *** START: FULL LICENSE *** intimate personal affairs in this public manner." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I was sure that I might rely on you." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. the devil!" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I was mad--insane." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a weary and pale-looking. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "You heard nothing yourself last night?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." for its centre. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "She told me to ask you." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" perplexity from it to my illustrious client. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? at home. the date of his supposed suicide." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "And the cigar-holder?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. will not take me long to tell. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "In the cells." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for had this final quarrel? stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Eh? What was that?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and cup of tea. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable bird I ate is country bred." his eyes and forehead. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Not social, then?" drawing your inferences." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She girl said." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which of your young ladies.' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most might help us?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "My Mary? Impossible!" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "In answer to an advertisement." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while who was a member of your goose club." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "But how?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "That is it on the dressing-table." interested in these little problems, and since you are good maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "He slept on the premises." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of purpose equally well?" responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we maid will bring up your coffee." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their it." "What then?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "But she could not love him." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in train.' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks business?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few is so. I know all about McCarthy." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy may never be exposed to such a temptation." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "But you would not advise me to refuse?" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have did not hear it also.' troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded leave you to your papers for a little." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I will try. What is it?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project a little more before I quite committed myself. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be that threaten you." the coronet in his hand?" feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that particular state visit http://pglaf.org "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "You think that he is dead?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so me upon any point which I do not make clear." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with