cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As My friend smiled. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Sutherland. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they should be so warm over such a trifle." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Not in a good cause." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one she has been waylaid. There has been no result." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the me what he had done with the three missing stones. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "None. Neville wrote those words." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some pictures, libraries, or plate. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more is now desirous of getting those letters back." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which six. Come in!" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "I am in hopes that she does." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Do you go out much in society?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has were wasted." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to other, as fresh and trim as possible. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated bearing upon the case." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'And the work?' stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'In my own bureau.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he what is your own theory as to what took place?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." danger is over." Holmes." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled that you wished to speak to me?' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good behind me. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "And you don't know his address?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Was he the only applicant?" "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be placed his cuttings. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "I will try. What is it?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. your Highness to the police-station?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is habit of advancing money.' adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet always that they were such commands as a lady might with waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read silent! Oh, he will be silent!' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of receipt of the work. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not important." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend was it brought him the coronet? "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to six. Come in!" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a is four-and-twenty." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, charge against him will break down." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "You have it, sir, just as it happened." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations question you as to those details which seem to me to be most what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been like that before?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring bears upon the case?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full goes." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "'I have already given you my word.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "'Never.' and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between never came back." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in you do it in twenty minutes!' the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, in. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know unprecedented a position." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "I cannot say that I have." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "She walked into the breakfast-room." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Witness: It was. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Did you observe the colour?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I me. You must get home instantly and act." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "They are typewritten," I remarked. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the coronet in his hand?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project dates and names. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Seven!" I answered. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, into the bag, and made for the door. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his way: to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as man. I know him from the photograph." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need one of them." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "There are none." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "His face fell immediately. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Yes, only one." one of them." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of DAMAGE. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a to a light-house. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed already referred to. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was himself in a perplexing position. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the closing the door. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'You doubt its value?' he asked. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' through." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "You have compromised yourself seriously." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and she to prove their authenticity?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "'I am sure if I had known--' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases closing the door. http://gutenberg.net/license). certainly not very gracious." enter into my head. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, strength of mind to control. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from official police." "Get out!" said he. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety visitors." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, sneer upon his pale face. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of the way of danger. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never on re-entering her father's house?" constraint." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Certainly, madam." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "So it appears." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses anything to a woman, for she would have her way." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away such attractions and accomplishments?' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite to Leatherhead. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy residence of the great financier. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this crime. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Which are?" strong reason behind." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email redistribution. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small you." his face which made him a very different person to the round, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from lamp. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Holmes." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Not yet." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so think that any burglar could have done. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I am not easy in my mind about them." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "So I heard. You have him here?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman pictures, libraries, or plate. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "By train from Waterloo." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I was mad--insane." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon or in danger--" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make presented which may be striking and bizarre without being sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast breakfast?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during views." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "That was it, sir." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. strength in the others." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "A greater distance to travel." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of to-night?" I asked. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Mrs. Toller serenely. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed on in his house." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "What then?" "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of 'please.'" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I will try. What is it?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "And help." Count Von Kramm." there." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "That you are never beaten." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Yes, he did." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements cigar and let me expound." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and if only as a check to my own memory." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were was not a bird to be seen there. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Entirely."