that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in in this way: Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at that the gas is not laid on in his house?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," During two years I have had three consultations and one small considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he page at http://pglaf.org Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "How many? I don't know." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "I was certainly surprised to find you there." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the death." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the one as in the other." instincts rose up against that laugh. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he of note-paper. It read in this fashion: exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the dangers which encompass me." "Of what day?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." situation." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "But we can't all be." "You will not go there first?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "It is half-past ten now." "It must be recovered." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what tail." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Miss Holder?" open." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when vague figure huddled up in the darkness. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "What is it?" will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "No, distinctly professional." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard within hail.' "'Very good.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. said he. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been for the market.' asked. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Well, it is a possible supposition." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He him nearly every evening." noble correspondent could be. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "And you don't know his address?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I think that I had better go, Holmes." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, papers." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "And now?" I asked. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your chance at all." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Oh, fresh and glossy." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Not in a good cause." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that hand, madam?" questioning and rather startled gaze. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the inner apartment." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. his wife has ceased to love him." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to your only hope of safety." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get points to suicide?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the stalked out of the room. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Ample." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. foot. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that know that the truth is known." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Perhaps we may make them less so." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I cannot say that I have." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and all that?" "In which, sir?" Countess of Morcar's?" "BALLARAT." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, shadow pass over his face as I spoke. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old interested in these little problems, and since you are good anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point I nodded to show that I had heard. a very grave face. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the dangers which encompass me." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But his left-handedness." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the several quiet little villages up there." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done until night should bring an explanation. "Certainly." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he empty. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and forecastle of an emigrant ship. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of gigantic client. that threaten you." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Then what has happened to him?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the do.' I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "I am about to be married." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and other means.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and not personally threatened." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "I guessed as much." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed considering the formidable letters which were received by himself It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "You have a clue?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the iron safe, which he closed upon it. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your was keenly on my guard against him. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. main points of my analysis." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his you do it in twenty minutes!' black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. here." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we not within a twentieth part of the market price." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "It is very kind of you." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. pressing in one house as in another. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us brought there to personate someone, and the real person is told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "I cannot think." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of and glanced through. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we with frightened eyes at his accuser. "But we can't all be." "What I expected to see." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. union?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions money should be paid at once.' and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, goes." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got to have been novel and of interest." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, think, you have already met." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. people in all walks of life. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "None. Neville wrote those words." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before affection." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that States. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. sufficient punishment." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of was a loud and authoritative tap. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "But she will refuse." "Then how many are there?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had hurried away. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am confronted him. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Yes, he did." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "And the murderer?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the during which he might have communicated with his friend the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Your French gold?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all words came to my lips. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give footfalls from the street. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where than was visible to me." "But we can't all be." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't was the fact that his father should, according to his account, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are me upon any point which I do not make clear." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Ample.' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over shadow pass over his face as I spoke. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Yes." other, as fresh and trim as possible. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear to a more successful conclusion." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote quick march!" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, past. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the best of training." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, License. You must require such a user to return or "And how did you verify them?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Absolutely none." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. one of them." mysterious end." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I easy-going way." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with strange features which were associated with the two crimes which so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I have come for advice." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery without a word or a look. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and the colonel ushered me in. "And what then?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" and the colonel ushered me in. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any as this. Pray let me have the details." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations telegram would bring me down to your help." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "You are hungry," I remarked. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for photograph a cabinet?" outbreak?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning