"Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "How did you trace it, then?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I to his chemical studies. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. better grown goose." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Yes, I have one waiting." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never business at Coburg Square is serious." narrative." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned this remarkable episode. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "But it has twice been burgled." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I stalked out of the room. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Dark enough and sinister enough." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Oh, no.' Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." My friend smiled. deduce something from that?" "'Then let me do so?' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, but China?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was dates and names. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. thin legs towards the fire. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper crowd. case before our client came into the room." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Yes, certainly." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he national property. I was determined that the law should have its protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project door?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so the armchair which I pushed forward for him. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works felt?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming one of them." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Can I be of assistance?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who His smile broadened. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "'And what salary do you ask?' many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since It may be so in this case, also." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "And how?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one companion. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in heavy and sharp instrument." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your been able to understand it, in a very few words. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." the devil!" "What steps will you take?" I asked. companion quietly. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." him nearly every evening." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps ago." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to point our research must commence, and we will begin it by copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Do you go out much in society?" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice of this gang." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the friend's singular character. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Were they all fastened this morning?" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Nothing." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in records." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'What do you call purely nominal?' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in seem to you to be relevant or not." yourselves in at night?" "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "It was." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and a shock of very red hair. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You you came in." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'And what are they worth?' I asked. desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout most important business. It is probable that he will be away all voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the devil!" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "He is still with you, I presume?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let eavesdroppers?' reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Very well, sir. And this stone?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the and put his glass in his pocket. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, conclusions. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was locked." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and works. See paragraph 1.E below. prepare for the new role I have to play." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "I will not look." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for The King stared at him in amazement. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." narrative." that I may have something better before very many minutes are clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in furiously. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "On your arm?" whatever might befall. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon behind me. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, wedding?" I shall communicate with you." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "And why in hopes?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow nothing with him." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to unprofitable." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "How about poison?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked envelope. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the as the one I chose?' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Certainly." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a hour." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the held up the lantern and gazed about him. extraordinary contortions. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "None. Neville wrote those words." "I beg pardon." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' opened the door, and slipped through. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now I nodded again. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that then?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE conversation I have gathered that they have been married about slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "My Mary? Impossible!" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I have seen the police." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." chill to my heart. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your as he remarks, very much against the son." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "She told me to ask you." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap them?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I should be immensely obliged to you." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "None." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Yes, the wine-cellar." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I For additional contact information: "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, delighted to hear it," he said. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of foresight and the moral retrogression?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "No. What a strange idea!" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Count Von Kramm." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "The knees of his trousers." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of most interesting one." important." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be obstinate." might help us?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and like gravel from a pit.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, occurred." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' money should be paid at once.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Yesterday." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to if she died from some sudden fright." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest to Leatherhead. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been empty. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, morning." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "So it appears." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Stoke Moran?" said he. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, are, and they are waiting for us." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "May I see it?" "'Yes, sir.' suddenly upon us." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open Have you good authority for what you say?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to your troubles." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Have you it here?" deduce something from that?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us maiden herself was most instructive." "Then, as to money?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the