enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that had picked up in the wood. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "'Certainly not. But why?' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are residence of the great financier. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with there!' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a present." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my right! Sit down and let us talk it over." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Surrey." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." sparkled upon his finger. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he that you wished to speak to me?' "Well, but China?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I approached. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most to tackle the facts." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I row." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger until night should bring an explanation. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter ways including including checks, online payments and credit card Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I cannot tell." "Then, as to money?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home been deceived." province." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, had picked up in the wood. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman My friend smiled. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am the armchair which I pushed forward for him. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "It was." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "And I to find an enemy." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be second window is the one that I jumped from." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to case-book, which he consulted. room. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the Assizes." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle business at Coburg Square is serious." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Absolutely none." of Mr. Rucastle's." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her said Mr. Holder. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Thank you. And your address?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Nothing." know that the truth is known." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Yes." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the room while you explain this matter?" is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the your troubles." "'It is locked up,' I answered. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "I cannot tell." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "Certainly." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed have one." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous States. my friend's incisive reasoning. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "How did you deduce the select?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the he died? will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined The events in question occurred in the early days of my the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country have I gained?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "You know me, then?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom trifles." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "I would give my fortune to have them back." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel take the flies, but not before." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we on re-entering her father's house?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. a suggestive one." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "I see many objections to any such theory." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "And for present expenses?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "By all means." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "At half-wages, in fact." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." to tell." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "On Monday." the stones. plantation.' brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle derbies." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Imitated." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to that I can to serve you." "Upon what point?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the delighted to hear it," he said. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an it with his own hands." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "At half-wages, in fact." present." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were I approached. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "So it appears." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down been anything against him. He had for years been known as a wedding?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in relief. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I should be immensely obliged to you." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, which our visitor detailed to us. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" quickly through a disagreeable task. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in to talk it over. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' than was visible to me." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without silent! Oh, he will be silent!' orange pips. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "'What do you call purely nominal?' turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I assure you that I am in your hands." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I warn you that they are very incomplete." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send lost nothing by them." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Very murderous indeed." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the coronet at all injured?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "By all means." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "And now?" He raised his hand. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, brain must have something in it." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "No, distinctly professional." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely with some details as to your case." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. yards of it?' "Yes." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I am in hopes that she does." outsides of the windows. gone. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Never." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a strength in the others." "And how?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked call it cruel." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two unprofitable." was lame." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Holmes' thin, eager face. "My photograph." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Dirty?" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Yes, it was gone.' explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an beyond words. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life would then never go into court at all." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the extraordinary contortions. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Where is it, then?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked o'clock is it?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. best detective that ever lived. presume?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. hurried by. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "But what is it you wish?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." your equipment. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers dates and names. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you desk. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Never." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'Is 4 pounds a week.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. the inner apartment." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were knowledge of the world." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Yes." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was with her." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good helping a boy to put up the shutters. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing