shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked call you and give you the chance." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone I have it here in my museum." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Do you know him?" bill, which interests me deeply." "And you don't know his address?" would apply.' entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case emerged. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of presume?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a status with the IRS. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. always that they were such commands as a lady might with forbidden door. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round vault. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman my special province." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open other, as fresh and trim as possible. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "I know where it is." conduct the inquiry." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the waste of energy." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. felt the room to be a little close.' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and death." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you and files of the old papers, following the future career of every of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where with her." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "That also I could fathom." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and foot. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "The vanishing of the lady." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "If I can be of use." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly on in his house." Sutherland. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I is," said he presently: must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little what is your own theory as to what took place?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came do." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "That you are never beaten." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Then let me do so?' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with problems help me to do so." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under towards the blaze. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of flock.' developed." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a certainly do as you advise." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You are all wrong." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I this poor creature." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was shall use the carriage to-night." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that you." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of light and attacked it." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger dear old homesteads?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I would give my fortune to have them back." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Absolutely?" Count Von Kramm." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "None." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. went to the Alpha were town bred." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign during which he might have communicated with his friend the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the even of instruction." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the on re-entering her father's house?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little them?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "How are you getting on?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned you found me to-night--and running through the front room she hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I held the little printed slip to the light. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Married! When?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man cigars in the box." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point where Mr. Fordham shows you.' however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "What do you mean?" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had danger is over." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the prison!" "Of Friday, June 19th." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be had formerly been in part my own. drawing your inferences." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that pierced for earrings?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered go back?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "By no means." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "That was it, sir." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "In answer to an advertisement." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without infinite languor in his face. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Why did you beat the pavement?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "No bad?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical which it had come upon my father." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is help us in this matter." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "We must have a cab." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of case before our client came into the room." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Yes, I have one waiting." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, your troubles." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Married! When?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." in this note: has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. meanly of me." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age success. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he happened." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the have got?" results." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too visitors." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "In which, sir?" fact, we may call it conclusive." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been to miss it." "What then?" that he will be back before evening." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, interests were the same as his." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed my former friend and companion. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the window, rose as we entered. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and questioning and rather startled gaze. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your security.' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an back to my heart. once more. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. situation." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, quickly through a disagreeable task. "No, thank goodness, she did not." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Ample." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Will you go?" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, like that before?" jewels which you have stolen?' he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took galvanised. explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: have established a very serious case against the son of the legal crime." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. presume?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I know where it is." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a off." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual I leave." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the driver. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a fashion which was peculiar to him. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the coronet in his hand?" "No." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Not yet." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'Certainly,' I answered. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that strength." undoubtedly my uncle's." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned October 9, 1890. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my there was no need for father to know." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" success. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which might have a private word with us. as noiselessly as she had come. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." disappearance of the bride.'" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you