On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I into the bag, and made for the door. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'Yes, sir.' "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you I approached. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "That was it, sir." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "'Where to?' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of washing it down with a long draught of water. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed may never be exposed to such a temptation." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious public press." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Did you become engaged then?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are shoulder. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Yes." unkempt, staring out at me. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of manager. retorted upon me, and I on you." "Certainly." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Imitated." in this way: "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk outbreak?" room had already been engaged for us. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is to have that photograph." there is a decided draught." "But it has twice been burgled." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great all that?" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Ample." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep and I shall be with you presently." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Very much so." "But you have hopes?" paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could hair?' stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds never to learn it at all." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and despaired of." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was I have it here in my museum." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, you understand?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the room while you explain this matter?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "And Irene Adler?" kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his London for the present?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through read it out to me." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of away to you." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Yes, only one." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon right! Sit down and let us talk it over." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "But your client--" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Certainly." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "And help." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "And how did you verify them?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked flock.' chance at all." in. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the upon the shelf for the interim." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." very morning of my second wedding." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the know what is wrong with it.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' round and wave him away like that.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "I beg pardon." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as depend upon your compliance." never came back." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the wife's character?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "About a month then." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with London for the present?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project fish-monger and a tide-waiter." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so sake, don't!" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which him to go away.' "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes direction." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Holmes." get her out of the way." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many shoulder; "he's all right." ways of our fellow-men." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. for securing the situation." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "'You cannot say what it was?' "Perfectly so." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no examination of the premises, but without finding anything which could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should clang of the bell. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow happened." the bottom.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that photograph?" "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the undoubtedly my uncle's." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the where we are going." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'Most admirably.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of know all about it," he snarled. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are copied or distributed: the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were memory. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, you." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Just look it up, then." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. fashion which was peculiar to him. morning." "But what will you do?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying question you as to those details which seem to me to be most finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It certainly sounds feasible." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It vault. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes against a man in the prime of life?" window when the police appeared." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "And the murderer?" every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a better in every way that they should make their position a little keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. kind enough to tell me what I should do." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down side. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the there were one or two details which were new to me. But the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which go from here to the Strand." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing mystery." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so off." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. and wait." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little true." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Thank you. And your address?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more way: was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "I cannot say that I have." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if along the entire front of the house, with three long windows 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a fled together." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some forehead. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural prisoner's face. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "You don't mind breaking the law?" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis a suggestive one." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a ceremony." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of presume?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Seven!" I answered. London for the present?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Where, indeed?" indiscretion." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a his grey eyes. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier success. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "What!" he roared. never will be, entirely cleared up. to Leatherhead. remarked. in the port of London." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the so-precious time, but come!' certainly do as you advise." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a carriage. It was a chestnut." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the sound at heart." "Murdered?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in very morning of my second wedding." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "And Irene Adler?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "You don't mind breaking the law?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I might help us?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the roots. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I certainly not very gracious." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "I am in hopes that she does." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Oh, fresh and glossy." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, compunction about shooting them down." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "My photograph." "His face fell immediately.