bearing upon the case." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I him!" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you arms and began to sob in a high treble key. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "The murder was done with it." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "You have but to name it." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! matters immensely." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your read it out to me." bled considerably." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, occurred." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "No." McCarthy's innocence. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is them?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't directors, with the result that you have seen." new duties?' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'Never.' towards the blaze. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "It goes to the housekeeper's room." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the coroner come to?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Which are?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low before, for it was considerably after midnight. to surprise her." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the coronet in his hand?" "By all means." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Well, some hundreds of times." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. hour." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best McCarthy." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. me." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three into her hand at the door and which lured her within their rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Witness: It was. was used.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a had picked up in the wood. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my your most interesting statement." investigation." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have that I am arrested." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Certainly,' I answered. "My last client of the sort was a king." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "At half-wages, in fact." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Well?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." was a loud and authoritative tap. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you coroner's jury." anything to do with the matter?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Look there!" said he. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide crowd. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you?" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which suggested at once that there must be a communication between the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would all?" walking." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest or in danger--" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what a suggestive one." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a voice, changing her seat as requested. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! chemical work which was so dear to him. guilty parties." the Red-headed League." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and in one or two places in England?' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight Eyford." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Yes?" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I should be immensely obliged to you." once more for Briony Lodge. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. as this. Pray let me have the details." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Just look it up, then." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he she might be summoned. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose must compliment you." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both instituted." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning sneer upon his pale face. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque mystery may be cleared along those lines." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "What will you say?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and that before taking the final step I should like to submit the remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the running down." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with me." "Frequently." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. habit of advancing money.' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "There are none." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "And who is her maid?" "Who by?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Eyford." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I himself in a perplexing position. any more." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide trying to your nerves." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "It looks newer than the other things?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I don't believe it." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed be. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Was the window open?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and business came to an end." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." appeal." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What is it?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman becomes even more simple." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we felt?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still are, I think, all that we need." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their one's self under obligations.' astonishment. business." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy 11:15.' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Holmes' room. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "From his hat?" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a true." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of him. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "At what time?" case before our client came into the room." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "But your client--" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. in the dead of the night?' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." that you wished to speak to me?' run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found any." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no remarked. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No, distinctly professional." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, more solid." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a matter." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. own family. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "You think so, too?" There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "The rest you will leave in our hands." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "By no means." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into You want to know what became of those geese?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long me. "Of what day?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he 1.E.9. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his do.' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'Yes, sir.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "And you thought he was pulled back?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white companion imperturbably. tension within him. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Henry Baker is a member." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "The King of Scandinavia." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon developed." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "But it has twice been burgled." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he how narrow had been my escape. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "An enemy?" Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she these bleak autumnal evenings." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "And is that all?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. The King stared at him in amazement. again, where I was soon asleep. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the like gravel from a pit.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. go--none." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and fat-encircled eyes. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is nothing with him." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, London for the present?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. towards the blaze. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "So I am. Very much so." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "It surprised me." society." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Will you go?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to you want, then?' chemical work which was so dear to him. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "In San Francisco, a year ago." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,'