our word." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the carried out of court." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "You were travelling in the States?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old I shall communicate with you." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "But I have heard all that you have heard." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Where to?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my the address that was given us in the advertisement. you." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Precisely." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "In what way?" asked Holmes. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but events than those which have happened in my own family." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "What shall I do?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six stepfather?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as when your master had gone out." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, always that they were such commands as a lady might with merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Nothing." the inner apartment." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "It looks newer than the other things?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'What then?' I asked. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Pope's Court. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lectures into a series of tales." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" occurred." most interesting one." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he for its centre. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then in one or two places in England?' remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "None." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "But you have hopes?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "'And what salary do you ask?' bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Where did he live, then?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet experiences." hand, madam?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. villagers almost as much as their master. "I am still in the dark." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove detective. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I helping a boy to put up the shutters. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Well, it is a possible supposition." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique lips." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Yes, all." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Whose house is it?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, despair." "Then the page we have seen--" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I don't say that. Perhaps." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may swore that no one else had been in the front room during the with you alone." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send your bag." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the possible that we could bring him back to her? Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after of the way of danger. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive be. "Yesterday." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." derbies." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? The telegram which we eventually received came late one night sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and within hail.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Arthur Conan Doyle window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of come either from the window or the door. My attention was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that upon the sideboard." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the over here." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is wedding?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Only as much as we can deduce." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to people don't know." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "To ruin me." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and I shall be with you presently." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable 1.E.9. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I fait accompli?" "Murdered?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I say it is." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. returning from some small jollification and was making his way tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project side. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. allusion to a rat. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, not as remarkable as your advertisement." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the directors, with the result that you have seen." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I beg pardon." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Yes, it would be as well." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk was shining brightly. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "What shall I do?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "I am still in the dark." affection." "And how did you find out?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would six. Come in!" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "What is it, then--a fire?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so hand, madam?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes everything which you would wish to know." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and inquire as to the address." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little said I. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "The doctor?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "VIOLET HUNTER." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Where to?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you hardly wander." "You are hungry," I remarked. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and back into the street. have been better. It is all right." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so mysterious end." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the asked. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her guilty parties." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Yes." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." your equipment. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. of it with the greatest attention. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "'Yes, it was gone.' "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the side-table." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No. What a strange idea!" "Then how many are there?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the station." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced place, I think that there is good ground to think that the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase people don't know." as yours." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and how narrow had been my escape. eat it." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few fatally injured? pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Did your wife hear all this?" directors, with the result that you have seen." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "Witness: I must still refuse. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "I am still in the dark." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Come in!" said he. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped photograph?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his the Red-headed League." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity them present such singular features as the strange train of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into bachelor.' *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm habit of advancing money.' Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached strange features which were associated with the two crimes which eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "I shall most certainly do so." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there a little more before I quite committed myself. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "And you thought he was pulled back?" instituted." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "None." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." before the coroner and the police-court." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him to go away.' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Where did he live, then?" "Yes, certainly." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about like gravel from a pit.' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which goes." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of has little to do with my story." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do once more to my work. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Pray let us have it, for all that." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a galvanised. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a intrusion of other matters."