light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes this poor creature." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Your sister is dead, then?" there in twenty minutes." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I with you?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I have solved it." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Your French gold?" to tell." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave which I could not give. He asked for Alice. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, other means.' the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "What can you not understand?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been sake, don't!" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I cannot tell." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the so-precious time, but come!' Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly front of me. would then never go into court at all." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this heavy and sharp instrument." crime. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." crime." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to again." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the for the market.' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could You want to know what became of those geese?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Your presence might be invaluable." "I have seen the police." narrative." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard London for the present?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a better grown goose." tightly behind him. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "The Coroner: What do you mean? in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "The landlord of the Alpha." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "It must be recovered." "'Which dealer's?' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the little opening for the ventilator is." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must keep the flames under. be best to do. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide looking up at the numbers of the houses." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Entirely." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have page at http://pglaf.org coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the might help us?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in disappearance of the bride.'" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman open." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "I never have." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of is a common subject for conversation. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in one or two places in England?' "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham prepare for the new role I have to play." "No, finished." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Stolen." "Very murderous indeed." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means do." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Absolutely?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long point our research must commence, and we will begin it by feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as my secret was safe in his possession. bears upon the case?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "We must have a cab." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we about here speaks of his kindness to him." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his opened the door, and slipped through. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. other means.' "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but that you can jump it.' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with you came in." the best of training." and inquire as to the address." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "You horrify me!" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited appeared upon the scene." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "They are typewritten," I remarked. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I took the paper from him and read as follows: interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Yes." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Certainly, madam." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the noting anything else of interest. "I was mad--insane." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a was feeling which was the fattest.' There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And is that all?" hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which future lives." "Very murderous indeed." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It hurried by. had picked up in the wood. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her in a friendly supper." lost his Christmas dinner." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Yes, sir." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Yes." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid was keenly on my guard against him. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "The gentleman I describe." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'And the work?' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were been shamefully used." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into business?" "The doctor?" indeed which he could not unravel. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is had picked up in the wood. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Again Holmes raved in the air. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the prepare for the new role I have to play." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Pray continue your narrative." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. have accepted such a situation. had a long day." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "There is the writing." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders vague figure huddled up in the darkness. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "But his left-handedness." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Did your wife hear all this?" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his address. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "An enemy?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "One?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the tragedy. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "What office?" "And I." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire particular state visit http://pglaf.org buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "His face fell immediately. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and wait." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian his forehead." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Witness: It was. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that gone. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a where she found matters as described by the last witness. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Will you bet, then?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but present strange and interesting features that it is no easy postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood villagers almost as much as their master. not as remarkable as your advertisement." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through one of the states of the Union." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying know that the truth is known." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Indeed! Whose, then?" voice, changing her seat as requested. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. have not had my rubber." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the which was all perfectly true. "How can you tell that?" least a fellow-countryman. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He such attractions and accomplishments?' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, it were putty." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently as he folded up the epistle. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I say it is." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Ah, but I was recommended to you." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, crowd. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The I shall communicate with you."