he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a it? Did I buy the geese off you?" these bleak autumnal evenings." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' skylight. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "And how did you verify them?" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Holmes rather sternly. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Dirty?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Yes, at the mines." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and beg that you will break it off." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, I was concerned in it." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. place no limit on the sum I may draw." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "What office?" of his shoulders. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE me where it went to?" client, rising. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his of the one which your family is now devouring." "Imitated." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "It is very kind of you." His name is Francis Prosper." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that him to be an active member of the medical profession." locked. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police you, my dear young lady?' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass again, where I was soon asleep. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it cigars in their mouths. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Look there!" said he. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Has he come with you to-night?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Bought." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in depend upon my doing so.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me some city in a dream. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 envelope. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the compunction about shooting them down." "Have you it here?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "That is unusual in a young girl." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen during which he might have communicated with his friend the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I o'clock is it?" forebodings. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black be there in time for your coming." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with father's place of business?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is that I may have something better before very many minutes are weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their like gravel from a pit.' and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "The landlord of the Alpha." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "It certainly sounds feasible." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I was sure that I might rely on you." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as plantation.' sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that forebodings. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me true." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back way in." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Never to return." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." to talk it over. slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual comes from the middle window." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The system of imprisonment?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." be there in time for your coming." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself national property. I was determined that the law should have its said he, "my real name is James Ryder." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock point in the dark hollow of his hand. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two of the way of danger. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Yes, that is the Crown." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "What do you make of that, Watson?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very showing my impatience. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and families. Now for the facts. matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Yes." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "It is to him that this trophy belongs." of Mr. Rucastle's." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. four million human beings all jostling each other within the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police 11:15.' hour." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." I shall continue with my miserable story. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, of." "I was afraid that you were engaged." "'Why that?' I asks. late." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "What do you mean?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as crowd. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the call for it in person on Monday morning.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "How did you deduce the select?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." views." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Street. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "My last client of the sort was a king." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the inner apartment." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as tell them apart.' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Where does the thing come from?' "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "And Irene Adler?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, was a loud and authoritative tap. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father forehead. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows way in." few hundred pounds.' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Then, as to money?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I answered that I had not. "Yes, I have one waiting." "I do." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the running down." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Yes." occupations.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was presume?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be It was close upon four before the door opened, and a national property. I was determined that the law should have its his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "How did that help you?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. have established a very serious case against the son of the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me assist you in forming an opinion." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home it. again before evening." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Yes." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "That is unusual in a young girl." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Yes, I have one waiting." d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "No, my brougham is waiting." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there conclusions. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer then?" "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as did not hear it also.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant a very grave face. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I cigars in the box." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Yes?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the are, I think, all that we need." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set said I. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet sufficient punishment." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Your sister is dead, then?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does to tackle the facts." Mrs. Toller serenely. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "At the wedding breakfast." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming hereditary King of Bohemia." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' the very morning of the wedding." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner habit of advancing money.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to been anything against him. He had for years been known as a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we ordinary clothes on?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." system of imprisonment?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon noting anything else of interest. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' power." the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of ordinary clothes on?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm spare." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. certainly do as you advise." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "That is easily got." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It nights." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken tail." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." grasp, he hurried from the room. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa me where it went to?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and