the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so Pool. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a prisoner's face. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It is solved." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads never will be, entirely cleared up. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Nothing." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You have but to name it." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Very well, sir. And this stone?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice strong reason behind." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Then he might have called to you?" do you make of it all?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open or other trace. But how on earth--" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. it means?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "I say that I have solved it." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." congratulate you again." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge 'I should be able to look after that for you.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Yes, it was gone.' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." my little problems." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Do you know him?" "Ample." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, might help us?" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the lost nothing by them." exactly what you advise." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I companion. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Henry Baker is a member." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "And who is her maid?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my I have it here in my museum." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. or other trace. But how on earth--" "Deserted you?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It was." presented more singular features than that which was associated my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his house for five minutes.' him and tried to hold him back. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to affect your life." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are quick march!" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "BALLARAT." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then question," said Holmes, smiling. "You have the photograph?" them?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and occupations.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of generous with you in money matters.' "I would give my fortune to have them back." system of imprisonment?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the sufficient punishment." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "I see no marks." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly which are rolled in Rotterdam." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Why did you pick him?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and may have an influence upon European history." Street. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Yes, that is the Crown." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very his eyes and forehead. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Did you observe the colour?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in in him." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an green of the new foliage. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my points to suicide?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are cigars in the box." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "It is no ordinary one." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Where did he live, then?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "And the cigar-holder?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out stammered. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that drove away. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty could not have written that. It is the German who is so all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies her also." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the nonsense.' me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is delighted to hear it," he said. was keenly on my guard against him. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was out." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that retorted upon me, and I on you." me have 200 pounds?' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of village inn over there?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and good-night and bustled off upon her way. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Then, how do you know?" present." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Well?" "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at unprecedented a position." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is stammered. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he which we had just quitted. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "No, my brougham is waiting." "Then, how do you know?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The bell. Holmes whistled. I took the paper from him and read as follows: years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of have got?" my room." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the side-table." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "One?" in the hope of finding them." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "From his hat?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and that he would see to anything that turned up. "My own seal." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "On your arm?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is It was close upon four before the door opened, and a six. Come in!" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "'Never.' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the existence." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an arrangements." thought that she would have been so carried away." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing nights." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. mysterious business." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I do." chill to my heart. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "No sign of it?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and effective." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "And on what day did he meet his death?" during that time.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My letters?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a me. all-comprehensive glances. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Absolutely?" "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "I say it is." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, chamber." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Dirty?" "Nothing." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself have got?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on any more." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock wife's character?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, orange pips. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. some city in a dream. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'Yes, I promise.' building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Perhaps I have." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I have my revolver," said I. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon will not take me long to tell. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position signal between you and your father? promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in there is a decided draught." foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this a few minutes he said that it would be all right. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "I was sure that I might rely on you." trifles." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this on re-entering her father's house?" the dangers which encompass me." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "My photograph." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "It is no ordinary one." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It peculiar to him. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so annoyance, but no jest. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever For additional contact information: "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." must be when I saw the door open.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his *** START: FULL LICENSE *** a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Never." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "You know me, then?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of was used.' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over respectable self." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in him!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Dr. Becher's." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Why did you beat the pavement?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after here and I will read it to you: "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared I shall continue with my miserable story. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step thought that she would have been so carried away." "And is that all?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to affect your life." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the that I can to serve you." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "To ruin me." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." sneer upon his pale face. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "No legal papers or certificates?" Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and said I. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Eyford." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good situation." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of