anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of the one which your family is now devouring." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Where, indeed?" stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Do you go out much in society?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Miss Holder?" himself to tell his story. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag already referred to. "Absolutely none." towards the blaze. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "What do you make of that, Watson?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, unprecedented a position." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. one of them." directly by questioning you." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the papers on the sundial.'" she to prove their authenticity?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the might help us?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the legal crime." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge flock.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To guilty parties." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have walking." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, laugh and put his lips to my ear. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was memory. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Dr. Becher's." DAMAGE. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson case-book, which he consulted. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a from you?" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said husband's writing, madam." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before hair?' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are some city in a dream. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I should like to see him very much." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as friends, not even his own brother. its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I will do it." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "Precisely so. But how--" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "There are none." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper this poor creature." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more someone who had been in Australia." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "I have come for advice." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss his face. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I am all attention, madam." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Ample." ashen face. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the Assizes." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you your troubles." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "My own seal." placed his cuttings. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Married! When?" "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Not social, then?" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be dear old homesteads?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a correct than the official force." "How did that help you?" time." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what face and glided from the room. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "The murder was done with it." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered be there in time for your coming." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That away in different directions, and I went off to make my own means taking possession of that which another person has a prior Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "Precisely." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us been with you?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I should be immensely obliged to you." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable over here." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I think that I had better go, Holmes." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, made him keep the appointment." man. I know him from the photograph." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "How often?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." not come at once?" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the man. I know him from the photograph." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Yes, all." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable drove away. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the face and glided from the room. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But imbecility!" he cried. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes into the room. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "I am armed." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "'And the work?' value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent fled together." the window, rose as we entered. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Yes?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you to a more successful conclusion." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "It is possible." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "By no means." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as fasten all the windows?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "You don't mind breaking the law?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but lectures into a series of tales." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its our word." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number families. Now for the facts. had this final quarrel? the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the peculiar to him. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "I do." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone The King stared at him in amazement. During two years I have had three consultations and one small seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: to some other building. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "What, then?" http://www.gutenberg.net If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Who by?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Dark enough and sinister enough." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Pray let us have it, for all that." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of words came to my lips. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me province." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at things are very often connected not with the larger but with the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use get the tickets." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right noble correspondent could be. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "I guessed as much." "'Certainly not.' man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his enter Dr. Roylott's room." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "How can you tell that?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, visitors." carriage. It was a chestnut." the roots. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "No more words. Get out!" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and his knees, staring into the fire. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil about. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "'Very good.' keep the flames under. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "'Oh, no.' Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might one of them." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'Yes, I promise.' "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with prison!" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and help us in this matter." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside with her." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel what is your own theory as to what took place?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that there was nothing in it, after all." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." strength of mind to control. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Do you know him?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a quickly through a disagreeable task. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Very well, sir. And this stone?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, confronted him. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Perfectly so." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "The vanishing of the lady." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should