"I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Will you bet, then?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just there is a decided draught." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "But who is he?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the my secret was safe in his possession. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "If so, much may have happened between." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year light and attacked it." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." sneer upon his pale face. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a and your relations to her." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I cannot imagine." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised You want to know what became of those geese?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us it." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent unprecedented a position." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Pool. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of gbnewby@pglaf.org Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: upon an income of about 60 pounds." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin do.' "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's gigantic client. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you before, for it was considerably after midnight. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And why in hopes?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I was afraid that you were engaged." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which are, I think, all that we need." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, ashen face. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Your presence might be invaluable." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "That was it, sir." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "You are hungry," I remarked. get her out of the way." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main not as remarkable as your advertisement." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "What then?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "And why in hopes?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And you don't know his address?" "My stepfather's business papers." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Does that suggest anything?" "And how in the world did you find them?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the hard-headed British jury." golden eyeglasses. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and allusion to a rat. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "She told me to ask you." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE tell me that you intended to go into harness." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I cannot tell." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "You think that he is dead?" four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears grasp, he hurried from the room. "Who was the criminal, then?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "But his left-handedness." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty few hundred pounds.' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a fatally injured? wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "His face fell immediately. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There other lovers by making love himself." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without whole matter to your consideration." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, such attractions and accomplishments?' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "I was sure that I might rely on you." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or noble correspondent could be. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black writers could invent nothing more crude." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into views." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. strong reason behind." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming indiscretion." round and wave him away like that.' towards the blaze. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his bare slabs of marble. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "How many? I don't know." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his you understand?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he like that before?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "No." tear off another piece?' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Who was the criminal, then?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "That you are never beaten." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I will do it." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet to change my dress. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Yes, it would be as well." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies leaning back in his chair. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding to a light-house. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses colonel looking down at me. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was least a fellow-countryman. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of when you have done it." come either from the window or the door. My attention was "No legal papers or certificates?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." tail." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the coronet at all injured?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of said he. certainly do as you advise." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Pool. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "And I to find an enemy." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is unprecedented a position." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "What!" he roared. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your stood on the top of it. public press." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the Red-headed League." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as this remarkable episode. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "No bad?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the detective. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "I cannot imagine." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the will take you up to see the machine.' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his presume?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Pray continue your narrative." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to where he stood hid behind the curtain. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Yes, that is the Crown." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove What do you deduce from it?" delirious. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "That you are never beaten." "But she will refuse." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Heh?' what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round depend upon my doing so.' I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I straighten it?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. What do you deduce from it?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was off." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Will you go?" "What?" "What, then?" he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further in my life." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "There is the writing." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Yes. He waved his hands." finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. him to go away.' "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of fine shops and stately business premises that they really day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of them has the shutters up.' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was country, and eventually married, without anyone having a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Holmes' room. long narrative. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the father's place of business?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that leave you to your papers for a little." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "I should like to see him very much." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. License. You must require such a user to return or that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Who was the criminal, then?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the kindly on the shoulder. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next writing, and yet I know it well." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "What I expected to see." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Of what?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "It must be recovered." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in allusion to a rat. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go that the gas is not laid on in his house?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at forbidden door. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to o'clock is it?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "What then?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. acted in my house last night?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that he has suffered." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman should be so warm over such a trifle." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "In heaven's name, what for?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "You are hungry," I remarked. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold key of the affair now." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is yourselves in at night?" for securing the situation." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such wanted for ourselves." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business fattened it expressly for you.' lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I