events than those which have happened in my own family." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and my former friend and companion. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and your relations to her." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the bottom.' in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are or other trace. But how on earth--" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. some city in a dream. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Very truly yours, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." comes from the middle window." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he rose-bushes. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the bed, and you in that chair." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "By train from Waterloo." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the bears upon the case?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'As governess?' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled to miss it." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "It was." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. his knees, staring into the fire. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, your Highness to the police-station?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit that?' money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, go--none." giving me time to thank him. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "But of what society?" "Dr. Becher's." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we speckled band?" "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "What then?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth families. Now for the facts. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. in the port of London." meanly of me." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I cannot imagine." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I do." business?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Street. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "How did you deduce the select?" "It came here." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "He disappeared so suddenly." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "That also I could fathom." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it hardly wander." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. less than 26s. 4d. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I assure you that I am in your hands." most interesting one." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. at my remark. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "None." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "We were both in the photograph." breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "He is still with you, I presume?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Yes, at the mines." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. this remarkable episode. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not felt the room to be a little close.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in not come at once?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness power." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Why? What do you mean?" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain had this final quarrel? should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural what these perils are?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his them, and came down just as you departed. "I would pay ten." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the presume?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you that you can jump it.' "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I relief. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I say that I have solved it." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "How about poison?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "How about poison?" "Why, what do you mean?" "Of what day?" had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still hour?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "And when will you call?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when one's self under obligations.' was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only lectures into a series of tales." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, crowd. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" front of me. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look breakfast?" your only hope of safety." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf persecution?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the sufficient punishment." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a walking." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Yes.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which to surprise her." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice page at http://pglaf.org card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Certainly." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I am armed." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. quickly through a disagreeable task. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which awkward doing business with an alias." your most interesting statement." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable once more. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is photograph?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Holmes. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have pictures, libraries, or plate. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Nothing." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. the dangers which encompass me." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to-night." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most he died? However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your something of him before." as the one I chose?' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that From what you have told me I think that it is possible that detained." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in in his hands." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting III. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was me have 200 pounds?' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. bell. Holmes whistled. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander http://gutenberg.net/license). forbidden door. see me here to avoid scandal." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Clair, of Lee." again." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Imitated." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Well?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "My dear Holmes!" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you really the only notable feature about the thing." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the coronet in his hand?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Lee, in the county of Kent." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. shoulder. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open intrusion of other matters." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a nights." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a that there was nothing in it, after all." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the matter?" He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to could go. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "I cannot imagine." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "And why in hopes?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the this Miss Turner." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. union?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar back into the street. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on have got?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were bearing upon the case." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Ah!" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have is worth.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to nice household for a young lady." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "I guessed as much." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was breakfast." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until writing, and yet I know it well." call it cruel." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "'Oh, no.' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Really! You surprise me." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And I."