three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, But Holmes shook his head gravely. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Does that suggest anything?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can see a sister of mine apply for." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "What are they?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, death." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very his knees, staring into the fire. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I guilty one." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of during which he might have communicated with his friend the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Imitated." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The it." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "I cannot imagine." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, in a friendly supper." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "What of the rat, then?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it which our visitor detailed to us. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of weigh very heavily upon my conscience." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Where is it, then?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Then, as to money?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down have I gained?" "'There is a drive, then?' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "He disappeared so suddenly." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small information in his hands the value of which he did not himself thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As was feeling which was the fattest.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that upon a handsome competence. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from miles off. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to the loss of it. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot to surprise her." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. washing it down with a long draught of water. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "I have seen the police." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "I should like to see him very much." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. o'clock is it?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and which was all perfectly true. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed locked. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Chief Executive and Director "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts his forehead." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Not him." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "No more words. Get out!" "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them most interesting one." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "It is his hat." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed that the gas is not laid on in his house?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "It must be recovered." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "And what did you learn from him?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I for and were ordered to this address. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to jewels which you have stolen?' "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon at home. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly as this. Pray let me have the details." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" not personally threatened." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I am to be neutral?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the as he remarks, very much against the son." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "She walked into the breakfast-room." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At official police." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off back into the street. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Serpentine Avenue. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "And Irene Adler?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not you found me to-night--and running through the front room she carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I respectable self." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "I promise," said Holmes. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a felt the room to be a little close.' Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting of this gang." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was pierced for earrings?" "She will not sell." help us in this matter." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "The rest you will leave in our hands." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "I fear not." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works late!' employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Never,' said I. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small morning." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a way in everything. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Come in!" said he. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "It is half-past ten now." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has over here." your bag." "I don't say that. Perhaps." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what shall not find me ungrateful." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the at my remark. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, opened the door, and slipped through. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which awaited us upon the table. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Most admirably.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "I am all attention, madam." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, peculiar to him. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Where, indeed?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." copied or distributed: "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we guilty parties." "But his left-handedness." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'Ample.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my key turn in the lock." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "And I." me. You must get home instantly and act." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is three fields round his house, and there he would take his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some of it with the greatest attention. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." families. Now for the facts. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Is he quiet?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were persecution?" "No good news?" you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a congenial hunt. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the you?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and the colonel ushered me in. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I am all attention, madam." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. from the brougham. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'Is 4 pounds a week.' go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." matter." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." time." do.' photograph a cabinet?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "And help." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and long narrative. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. article?" himself. "I cannot as yet see any connection." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, meant it for the best. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for place, I think that there is good ground to think that the There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. this unhappy family?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call hurried away. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that said Mr. Holder. "'I have heard so.' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, night.' said he. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "And it is--" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our overpowering excitement and concern. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was death." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he is a common subject for conversation. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Does that suggest anything?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' least a most suspicious remark." it right.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was formed some opinion?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Will you go?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "By no means." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's of them has the shutters up.' "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of country, and eventually married, without anyone having a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were arrangements." "'I am sure that I do not know.' the room while you explain this matter?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate