confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you Sutherland. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "In what way?" asked Holmes. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Nearly eleven." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Nearly eleven." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying records." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that fled together." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she better grown goose." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "And you thought he was pulled back?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you married her." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the matter." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel had picked up in the wood. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "So I have heard." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Imitated." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "We have tried and failed." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the questioning and rather startled gaze. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you not fit the lock." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Yesterday." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Yes." matters immensely." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Of what?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" it." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were not fit the lock." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious were wasted." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Look there!" said he. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "I guessed as much." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional strength in the others." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'In my own bureau.' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "How are you getting on?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain guilty parties." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his weary and pale-looking. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "How can you tell that?" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "To ruin me." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "A client, then?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I have a cab outside." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes envelope. Holmes' face clouded over. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most it." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your chance at all." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the on re-entering her father's house?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'Yes, sir.' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "The knees of his trousers." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Did you observe the colour?" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his voice, changing her seat as requested. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then both be extremely obliged.' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "The King of Scandinavia." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a new acquaintance to Baker Street. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought habit of advancing money.' living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the will not take me long to tell. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never take the flies, but not before." which was all perfectly true. "Where is it, then?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few would apply.' Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "I shall most certainly do so." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." remarked. at home. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And sit in the dark?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little trying to your nerves." intrusion of other matters." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "I have come for advice." dramatic, in fact." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to tackle the facts." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Which are?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The Coroner: What do you mean? autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "The rest you will leave in our hands." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I I have it here in my museum." might help us?" "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. leaning back in his chair. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these all that?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "No. What a strange idea!" fact, we may call it conclusive." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for at my own good fortune. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so union?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of campaign. legal crime." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Street. least a fellow-countryman. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, best detective that ever lived. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the salesman. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, important." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in once more. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "But who is he?" "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a rat could hardly pass through." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "So I am. Very much so." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Quite so." once more for Briony Lodge. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger pressing in one house as in another. "How about poison?" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client success. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is shall not find me ungrateful." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Chief Executive and Director following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," mystery may be cleared along those lines." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" weighed down with some great anxiety. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after be there in time for your coming." "I see many objections to any such theory." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into from the brougham. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the made his money." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Not social, then?" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the Red-headed League." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at clanging. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Will you bet, then?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Who was the criminal, then?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "You have compromised yourself seriously." of receipt of the work. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours pound a week." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "What will you say?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can anything to do with the matter?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "You will not go there first?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "I came to find a friend." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I I. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, shall use the carriage to-night." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to make me his representative both with the servants and with the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, this as likely?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, it was twisted." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The look upon these things in a different way." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Proceed, then." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to His smile broadened. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Quite so." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his security.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Frequently." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Pray do so." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have tapping his fingers upon the table. south, for the country is more deserted there." the running down." everything which you would wish to know." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained photograph?" round and wave him away like that.' travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "And from a noble client?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it papers must be those that are destroyed.' from you?" Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I see no marks." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Witness: I must still refuse. absorbing." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "ARAT," I read. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for