quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Pope's Court. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Here?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming events than those which have happened in my own family." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do business matters.' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford maiden herself was most instructive." it." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "We were both in the photograph." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the ventilator." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "Do you receive much company?" he asked. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean but preventing her from injuring another. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said when you have done it." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the had a long day." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and long narrative. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Where is it, then?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into arrangements." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Whose house is it?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "The Coroner: What do you mean? Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "My dear Holmes!" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "He is still with you, I presume?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears question you as to those details which seem to me to be most flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Precisely." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at absolutely follow my advice in every respect." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "What do you make of that, Watson?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom where we are going." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert matter." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of occupations.' the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "'Oh, no.' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "I beg pardon." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" feature." clanging. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with more terrible than the truth. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said questionable one." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "I beg pardon." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our few hundred pounds.' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get individual and becomes the badge of a society." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' feature." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should there were one or two details which were new to me. But the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that astonishment. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its obstinate." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was some terrible trap for her." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I should like to see him very much." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had photograph a cabinet?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "No more words. Get out!" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had business at Coburg Square is serious." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in this note: "I cannot say that I have." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat of Fenchurch Street." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the cigars in their mouths. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of colonel looking down at me. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her enough to aid us in our search." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were than to us. "'What, the red-headed man?' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Certainly." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, grasp, he hurried from the room. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my was not a bird to be seen there. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you did not hear it also.' here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had awaited us upon the table. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Holmes' room. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's will be renamed. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations helping a boy to put up the shutters. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen III. I held the little printed slip to the light. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "In answer to an advertisement." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The introspective fashion. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in becomes even more simple." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly bill, which interests me deeply." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "What will you say?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something habit of advancing money.' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is indiscretion." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I am sure." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to outsides of the windows. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "What?" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It is a murder, then?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Then he might have called to you?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to allusion to a rat. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Entirely." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Gutenberg-tm License. to affect your life." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old The telegram which we eventually received came late one night pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "No. His orders were to stay in the house." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately for its centre. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. interest. They are important, you understand, without being take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to happened." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Seven!" I answered. retorted upon me, and I on you." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and Mrs. Toller serenely. "Precisely." that I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Pray continue your narrative." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" keep the flames under. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Ha! you find it so?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in easy-going way." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare chamber." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he The police have openly confessed that they can at present make plantation.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which if only as a check to my own memory." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'You cannot say what it was?' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" happened." arrested. You then--" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Dark enough and sinister enough." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "And your mother is alive?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story points to suicide?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There following enigmatical notices: do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been investigation." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he gone. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while you in your example." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than shall not find me ungrateful." to that open window." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can your room." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said criminal. We have already had experience of such." and all of them with the keenest interest. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom answered with a sidelong glance. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been you." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards excitement. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." know all about it," he snarled. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a outbreak?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He death." manager. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." respectable self." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a