McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "And Irene Adler?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round discontent upon his features. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Certainly." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble astonishment. least a most suspicious remark." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might out of this horrible affair." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Have you good authority for what you say?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, October 9, 1890. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into becomes even more simple." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is compunction about shooting them down." lamp. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of go--none." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: you?' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the several quiet little villages up there." the very morning of the wedding." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, could go. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All late!' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in lost nothing by them." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers good for you to do.' with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble me, and I could not think that his explanation of the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "That's no good." husband's writing, madam." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client never came back." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Who by?" you." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of infinite languor in his face. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came any more." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the address that was given us in the advertisement. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is was shining brightly. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Holmes." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Bought." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. companion. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So be there in time for your coming." "Certainly." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. bearing upon the case." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt woven round him. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "What will you say?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. manager. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and laid it on the table. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "What is it, then--a fire?" "That is unusual in a young girl." Holmes' room. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'I am sure if I had known--' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "That is possible." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Precisely so. But how--" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards morning." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "How can you tell that?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. past. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "You have a clue?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, bonnet, and went out." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and the whole place is in a blaze." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in not personally threatened." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "What will you do, then?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a bird I ate is country bred." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable call for it in person on Monday morning.' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony that I can to serve you." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Witness: I must still refuse. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was conduct the inquiry." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, one's self under obligations.' "Why serious?" "Yes, it would be as well." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the running down." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I approached. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque behind me. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." II. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm knowledge of the world." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, tapping his fingers upon the table. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who get her out of the way." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll peculiar to him. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect there in twenty minutes." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded fish-monger and a tide-waiter." wedding?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "No, finished." head. So long, then!" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and have an American origin." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. to have been novel and of interest." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the roused himself from his reverie. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, trying to your nerves." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either 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 made his money." any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the quite distinctive." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "What! You do not mean bodies?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back carried out of court." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Then you may entirely rely on me." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have your billet.' there were one or two details which were new to me. But the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of it with the greatest attention. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all an introduction to him?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, head. So long, then!" "And I to find an enemy." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may question. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a digesting their breakfasts at home." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "What office?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "By no means." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before unprofitable." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "But what harm can there be in that?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside anything to do with the matter?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. the bed, and you in that chair." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," very morning of my second wedding." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon with you alone." The King stared at him in amazement. "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "There are none." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who where Mr. Fordham shows you.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Ten to two.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "I guessed as much." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "In which, sir?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used of the one which your family is now devouring." that you wished to speak to me?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell skylight. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every there has been an enclosure here!" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last acted in my house last night?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in problems help me to do so." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No." not as remarkable as your advertisement." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in long narrative. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Nothing." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, towards the blaze. for and were ordered to this address. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an said I. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the child." "The murder was done with it." friends, not even his own brother. Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders all that?" used to be." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "My photograph." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned London for the present?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "It surprised me." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But likely to be some crony of the landlady's." character. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which it." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that anything to do with the matter?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "It is no ordinary one." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it fluttered off among the others. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third call it cruel." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I say that I have solved it." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I gives a meaning to it." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very laugh and put his lips to my ear. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was weighed down with some great anxiety. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "No, I am descending." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to eat it." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Thank you. And your address?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Did you observe the colour?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Ah!" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey ordinary clothes on?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He said too much." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Chief Executive and Director Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his them?" the station." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Chief Executive and Director passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned dead, shall be safe with us." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my