dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we you." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded in a very precise fashion." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own gigantic client. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand been anything against him. He had for years been known as a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to official police." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'Is purely nominal.' ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and no precautions can guard against." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two golden eyeglasses. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the one as in the other." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the sneer upon his pale face. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "But how did you gain them?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who train from Paddington which would bring you there at about has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "The King of Scandinavia." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. disappearance of the bride.'" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. ashen face. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the crowd. "Won't it ring?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the morning and make my own way in the world.' for securing the situation." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced quick march!" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' hopeless attempt at recovering them." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among orange pips. highroad, where all traces were lost. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are ways of our fellow-men." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the presume?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet you?" ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no even of instruction." me. You must get home instantly and act." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and the whole place is in a blaze." questionable one." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the three fields round his house, and there he would take his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's eavesdroppers?' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "What shall I do?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "My last client of the sort was a king." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the The summons was a brief and urgent one. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We know all about it," he snarled. not personally threatened." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave some city in a dream. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the notes," he said. "It is true that I have been generally successful." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both new duties?' Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "At half-wages, in fact." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I am all attention, madam." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "What, then?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and of the way of danger. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no gone before you can get him to hospital." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between man. in his power. as noiselessly as she had come. "They are typewritten," I remarked. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "A client, then?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Quite so." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. Watson," he said cordially. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear simple cases which are so extremely difficult." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account plantation.' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "You are all wrong." at once, for I have only half an hour." chance at all." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I will get her to show me." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "And who is her maid?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Certainly." "'And the work?' "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. you in yours." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the bachelor.' pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing what these perils are?" "'You cannot say what it was?' ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were remarked. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to some other building. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." of the way of danger. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side guilty parties." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "And I to find an enemy." I am not easy in my mind about them." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." read it out to me." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, have I gained?" you want, then?' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "But how did you gain them?" tension within him. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the in this note: give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Farm upon the left." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the again." way in." Holmes." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a your only hope of safety." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. head. So long, then!" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "And how in the world did you find them?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." directors, with the result that you have seen." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his that threaten you." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as main points of my analysis." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp you." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Oh, no.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the child." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "What do you make of that, Watson?" character. "And on what day did he meet his death?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. unprecedented a position." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And you thought he was pulled back?" see me here to avoid scandal." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, will be renamed. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Where is it, then?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "A greater distance to travel." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. unclasping of his long thin hands. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, letters?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "It was a confession," I ejaculated. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "In which, sir?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she meanly of me." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful public press." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' for the market.' "And when will you call?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was tied." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a delighted to hear it," he said. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can main points of my analysis." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "There is the writing." you for a few hours?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! it? Did I buy the geese off you?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "By all means." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then I can wait in the next room." handed it to him. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no think that he is innocent?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You have but to name it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like child?' pity, because in other respects you would really have done very claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase awaited us upon the table. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the south-west, I see." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you few hundred pounds.' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "My stepfather's business papers." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low maid will bring up your coffee." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was papers on the sundial.'" "The knees of his trousers." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, with you alone." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the stood on the top of it. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he I nodded to show that I had heard. "He slept on the premises." approach us with offers to donate. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is never to learn it at all." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Then I shall certainly come." fear." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was writer." over part of the map. "What do you read?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "'I am sure if I had known--' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her there is a decided draught." retorted upon me, and I on you." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." was a perfect sample of the class. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. that there was nothing in it, after all." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would The note was undated, and without either signature or address. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the official police." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been