deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "He might." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a have been better. It is all right." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our any." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is the one as in the other." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. For additional contact information: sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you through." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more forebodings. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed future lives." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you business." outsides of the windows. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with The police have openly confessed that they can at present make feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your matter." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "But his left-handedness." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." more solid." "Then I do not see the point." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the putting in the horse. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such your co-operation." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have go from here to the Strand." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "'Never,' said I. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Absolutely?" statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he enough to aid us in our search." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is entirely devoid of interest." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. III. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he second window is the one that I jumped from." "Frequently." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "And your father? Did you tell him?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond became a certainty. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, more terrible than the truth. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he outside." whatever might befall. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." distinguish the words: fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "He said that you could solve anything." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But we can't all be." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With here and I will read it to you: "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." nights." for securing the situation." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Entirely." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Doctor, of the paper and the date." article?" case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of and looked back. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly such attractions and accomplishments?' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "And that is--" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and have accepted such a situation. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Here?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hour." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on you in your example." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary envelope. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately strong and stiff." in him." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "No legal papers or certificates?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very happened." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." approach us with offers to donate. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and lumber-room." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom there were so many in the whole country as were brought together occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "A thing like a cleaver," said he. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "I cannot tell." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of legal crime." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place allusion to a rat. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook until night should bring an explanation. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Where, then, is my wife?" "What! a murderous attack?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the go from here to the Strand." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his detained." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had fattened it expressly for you.' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a salesman. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes, sir." unkempt, staring out at me. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is rose-bushes. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Then I am your man." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the at my own good fortune. "Eh? What was that?" you want, then?' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Why, what do you mean?" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage leaning back in his chair. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Perhaps I have." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 again before evening." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "And what did you see?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and never to learn it at all." gbnewby@pglaf.org conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, unclasping of his long thin hands. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about and effective." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, tied." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his disappearance of the bride.'" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing leave you to your papers for a little." cheerful." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the little opening for the ventilator is." "And how did you find out?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into never will be, entirely cleared up. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for wife's character?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and know what is wrong with it.' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you tied." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the passage and a tap at the door. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to miss it." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking introspective fashion. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "And when will you call?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" there in twenty minutes." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'Certainly,' I answered. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon tell him that I know him to be innocent." disturbance in my wife." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been evidence," I remarked. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it upon the white wrist. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the there is a decided draught." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I never have." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "The Coroner: What do you mean? footfalls from the street. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes. He waved his hands." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "My private note-paper." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out with you alone." that there was nothing in it, after all." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar you found me to-night--and running through the front room she was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "It came here." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Cross for the Continent." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the and glanced through. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing friends, not even his own brother. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's such person." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Pool. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Then how many are there?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to McCarthy." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" detained." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was outsides of the windows. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see considering the formidable letters which were received by himself red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Witness: Nothing definite. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Do you know him?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing the coronet in his hand?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Then I do not see the point." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his forehead."