upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the I held the little printed slip to the light. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then bill, which interests me deeply." is," said he presently: the bed, and you in that chair." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "The King of Scandinavia." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, him to be an active member of the medical profession." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his matter." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the child." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." present." "'Very good.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "What shall I do?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found perplexity from it to my illustrious client. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Thank you. And your address?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two one's self under obligations.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Well, it is a possible supposition." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your was it brought him the coronet? introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is him, that man would not have given me such complete information him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon have one." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, again before evening." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been foot. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after for its centre. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. back alive. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left could gather together that I was able to avert another public total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "The landlord of the Alpha." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'What are you doing there?' he asked. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "'Ten to two.' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made the driver. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Did he not advertise?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught vault. King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest bore every mark of being an average commonplace British just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. stalked out of the room. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and shall probably return to London by the evening train." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Yes." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Did you observe the colour?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'Yes, sir.' "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "What shall I do?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Witness: Nothing definite. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and more terrible than the truth. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Nothing." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Then I do not see the point." long narrative. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest But Holmes shook his head gravely. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Henry Baker is a member." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of from the brougham. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to read over the extraordinary announcement. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "'Stolen!' he cried. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & allusion to a rat. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is companion imperturbably. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small returning from some small jollification and was making his way "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Can I be of assistance?" taking in every detail of the apartment. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yes." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to carpenter." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Precisely." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the there has been an enclosure here!" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "That is also quite modern," said the lady. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must hereditary King of Bohemia." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in there is a decided draught." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without nothing with him." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after trying to your nerves." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I national property. I was determined that the law should have its "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a your billet.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I lips." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the he. nice household for a young lady." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and capable of preserving a secret.' gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "So I have heard." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his had died away into the silence from which it rose. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of sound at heart." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he during which he might have communicated with his friend the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I fear not." is," said he presently: "Why did you pick him?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can was a lad." his cane at the bell-pull. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man with her." signal between you and your father? "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he For additional contact information: "Were they all fastened this morning?" them?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. whether it answered to the description of any of their what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk waste of energy." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his suddenly upon us." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies occurred." of receipt of the work. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and fattened it expressly for you.' "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried any little problem which you may submit to me." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution happened." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's him. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to to you." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass sofa. This way, please!" "No, distinctly professional." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. look dissatisfied." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Did you observe the colour?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than suggested at once that there must be a communication between the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in villagers almost as much as their master. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Dirty?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began tightly behind him. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Witness: Nothing definite. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Get out!" said he. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Certainly, madam." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to your own bird, so if you wish--" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover head. So long, then!" the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen him and tried to hold him back. "And why in hopes?" "Get out!" said he. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a back to my heart. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what politicians who had been sent down from the North. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "So it appears." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six was it brought him the coronet? vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the child." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Thank you. And your address?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He a room. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "And Miss Sutherland?" "Yes, but only for you and me." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the you." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well?" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in round and wave him away like that.' dead, shall be safe with us." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest not, dad?" she asked. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "I cannot say that I have." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That morning." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "It looks newer than the other things?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign desk. The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Sholtos." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Your sister is dead, then?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "None." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, putting in the horse. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT maiden herself was most instructive." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." not as remarkable as your advertisement." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and into the room. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, fashion which was peculiar to him. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in it were putty." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "By no means." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists awkward doing business with an alias." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my thirty. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" himself to tell his story. works. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting and your relations to her." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball."