hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the think that he is innocent?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "It is very kind of you." "You were travelling in the States?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Street. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as arrested. You then--" "'You cannot say what it was?' though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." certainly not very gracious." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. your bag." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of address. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." upon the white wrist. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "There are none." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes shall use the carriage to-night." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Does that suggest anything?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I relief. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "My own seal." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "But what will you do?" lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the to-night?" I asked. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." fat-encircled eyes. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I see many objections to any such theory." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "May I see it?" "No, finished." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went this poor creature." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean garden below. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that if she died from some sudden fright." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for think, you have already met." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been ashen face. "No?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "'And the work?' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "You are hungry," I remarked. "And how have you succeeded?" enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "No good news?" individual and becomes the badge of a society." wife's character?" "Where is it, then?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email populous neighbourhood." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "But what harm can there be in that?" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place yards of it?' either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important thought that she would have been so carried away." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See she to prove their authenticity?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money cup of tea. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence out." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Well, some hundreds of times." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "How did you trace it, then?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already been able to understand it, in a very few words. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with as noiselessly as she had come. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "None." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the one as in the other." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them three of the beryls in it, was missing. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. presume?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." outside." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "This photograph!" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered crowd. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "You will not go there first?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in it with his own hands." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: it." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret three of the beryls in it, was missing. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. that there was nothing in it, after all." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "But who is he?" "'Ample.' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "None. Neville wrote those words." indeed happy." you want, then?' occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the acquaintance?" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had what is your own theory as to what took place?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in It may be so in this case, also." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead closing the door. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those away to you." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with points to suicide?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid into her hand at the door and which lured her within their fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would gone. in a very precise fashion." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a was the fact that his father should, according to his account, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are you." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, foot. ago." persecution?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the bed, and you in that chair." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about vague figure huddled up in the darkness. must compliment you." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons disappearance of the bride.'" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was photograph a cabinet?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and corner of the building. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Was the window open?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I think that it is very probable." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "An accident, I presume?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. soul! here is her carriage at the door." breakfast?" excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and yet." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Surrey." "It came here." drawing your inferences." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "What of the rat, then?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." it." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Certainly not.' "I was mad--insane." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I cannot tell." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." take the flies, but not before." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this What do you deduce from it?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been but preventing her from injuring another. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been question you as to those details which seem to me to be most deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" cause to be." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as key of the affair now." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at him, that man would not have given me such complete information the inner apartment." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "'It is locked up,' I answered. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, possible that we could bring him back to her? purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the bed, and you in that chair." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the existence." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, way: marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated until night should bring an explanation. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "By all means." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but third from London." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way prisoner's face. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must with some details as to your case." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH investigation." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. is so. I know all about McCarthy." and it need not interfere very much with one's other lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, acquaintance?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Only as much as we can deduce." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my over here." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the less than 26s. 4d. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is coat-tails." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I will, Miss Turner." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will once more. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon trifles." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the one's self under obligations.' certainly do as you advise." stammered. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the nursery. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "So I heard. You have him here?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, to Leatherhead. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. cup of tea. "I shall be delighted." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' this truth that in these little records of our cases which you this as likely?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the to affect your life." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her