unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I have hopes." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers will find little credit to be gained out of this case." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to cigars in the box." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the salesman. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. overpowering excitement and concern. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay chair. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I said Mr. Holder. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the green of the new foliage. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised papers must be those that are destroyed.' of them has the shutters up.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, of the one which your family is now devouring." "My last client of the sort was a king." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it examine." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the key turn in the lock." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry character. prepare for the new role I have to play." not within a twentieth part of the market price." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, a very grave face. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Now, then, what's the last entry?" way in." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "And how in the world did you find them?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send the coronet in his hand?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I am still in the dark." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the but preventing her from injuring another. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would not within a twentieth part of the market price." lamp in his hand. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses light and attacked it." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and bachelor.' confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug to-morrow." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "That you are never beaten." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to use an arc-and-compass breastpin." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" papers." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and files of the old papers, following the future career of every began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, outbreak?" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt beg that you will break it off." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little approach us with offers to donate. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I you?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg pressing in one house as in another. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "He might." public press." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable http://www.gutenberg.net rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "He slept on the premises." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an photograph a cabinet?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' I have it here in my museum." are windows in it, of course?" "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was presented more singular features than that which was associated sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I am armed." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "She will not sell." "Then, how do you know?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "But how will you look?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Entirely." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "My private note-paper." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for thirty. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he passage and a tap at the door. again." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing subject to the trademark license, especially commercial an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying himself to tell his story. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution tear off another piece?' than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which was feeling which was the fattest.' "It is possible." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for six. Come in!" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. became a certainty. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I DAMAGE. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my seven miles from Eyford Station.' done what I asked you, Jones?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have goes." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to-night?" I asked. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "And I." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the is worth.' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Yes, I have one waiting." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in what these perils are?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "What! You do not mean bodies?" goes." your bag." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a chill to my heart. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "But the mystery?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." learned something! Where are the gems?" distinguish the words: "This photograph!" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush October 9, 1890. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by with you?" "Yes, he did." bell. Holmes whistled. sake, don't!" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "A call for help, you thought?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "No, my brougham is waiting." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Where did he live, then?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "You will not go there first?" up this clue while it is still hot." meanly of me." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the night.' "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic children over to America with him, so that I found myself without my friend's incisive reasoning. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "But you were on a friendly footing?" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "That is also quite modern," said the lady. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "And why?" on in his house." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, overpowering excitement and concern. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her tell them apart.' see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "None." said he. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Yes." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my nice household for a young lady." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, ceremony." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I will not look." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Now, then, what's the last entry?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "She walked into the breakfast-room." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a shoulder; "he's all right." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to infinite languor in his face. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Sutherland. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." question," said Holmes, smiling. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is him and tried to hold him back. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "And it is--" fact, we may call it conclusive." "Bought." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with I have it here in my museum." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were arrangements." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There towards the blaze. time." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main that I am arrested." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. had this final quarrel? I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of discontent upon his features. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Get out!" said he. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them friends, not even his own brother. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial amused." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the you." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, from the brougham. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until success. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than Watson," he said cordially. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Will you go?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" security.' your room." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and of receipt of the work. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I invisible to me," I remarked. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." fasten all the windows?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and distinguish the words: Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "But what will you do?" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know in the hope of finding them." forecastle of an emigrant ship. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and or other trace. But how on earth--" "'Certainly not. But why?' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and have not had my rubber." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "It was." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "You forget that I know nothing about it." tear off another piece?' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I affair. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "But how will you look?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making over his head with a sweet womanly caress.