horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder thought that she would have been so carried away." of the one which your family is now devouring." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. more solid." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" is," said he presently: showing my impatience. constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, have had none more fantastic than this." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and may never be exposed to such a temptation." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would companion. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low done what I asked you, Jones?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs his cane at the bell-pull. Holmes' room. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did other means.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is have had none more fantastic than this." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen this poor creature." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a see a sister of mine apply for." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it this unhappy family?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable both be extremely obliged.' entirely lost his self-respect." been." description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was more solid." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "It is no ordinary one." fat-encircled eyes. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'Never.' "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, threw himself down with his face to the pillow. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Never." sound at heart." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "'Ten to two.' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can you give your casting vote to?" in this way: shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of him to be an active member of the medical profession." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "The Coroner: What do you mean? loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed that threaten you." "'Ten to two.' the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "BALLARAT." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been ways of our fellow-men." "He said too much." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "It is solved." waste of energy." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "An enemy?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "No, but the enclosure is." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "You will not go there first?" "I am all attention, madam." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or should be so warm over such a trifle." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the running down." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of you in yours." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, manager. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Yes." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not salesman. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and there is a decided draught." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a questionable one." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and not within a twentieth part of the market price." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." careless servant girl?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Yes, it was twisted." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Pool. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, occupations.' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's there were one or two details which were new to me. But the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke one or two very singular points about this room. For example, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'I shall certainly be there.' reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "And is that all?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the would then never go into court at all." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, one of the states of the Union." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "What!" he roared. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will companion imperturbably. morning." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass them?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "May I see it?" beg that you will break it off." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It third from London." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, papers must be those that are destroyed.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very married her." of your young ladies.' his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, or in danger--" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Not in a good cause." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Certainly." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. not as remarkable as your advertisement." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some answered with a sidelong glance. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "And what did you see?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers The King stared at him in amazement. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were three fields round his house, and there he would take his new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Was your sister dressed?" up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. in a very precise fashion." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "And the cigar-holder?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "No, I am descending." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "You forget that I know nothing about it." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "By train from Waterloo." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder direction." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the done what I asked you, Jones?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." that he has suffered." "But she could not love him." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! the roots. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Yes, they were peculiar boots." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but The telegram which we eventually received came late one night father's young wife. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "We have tried and failed." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "We were both in the photograph." before, for it was considerably after midnight. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, what do you think they found in the pockets?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. go from here to the Strand." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to he. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'I am sure if I had known--' need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet tightly behind him. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." in one or two places in England?' Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. 1.E.9. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "I see many objections to any such theory." she used." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole furiously. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man memory. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of which are rolled in Rotterdam." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Yes." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for companion. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the would then never go into court at all." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Quite so." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "The Cedars?" will not take me long to tell. bell. Holmes whistled. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Absolutely?" words came to my lips. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Never." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "A call for help, you thought?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this wife's character?" introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. this remarkable episode. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "You have it, sir, just as it happened." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear think you a quite exceptional woman." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Who was the criminal, then?" way in." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "She walked into the breakfast-room." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be again on its way. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "So I have heard." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed served to weaken the effect. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears disappearance of the bride.'" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil occupations.' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' figure." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check kind enough to tell me what I should do." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. gentleman's clothes. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to long narrative. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" questionable one." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his in this way: carriage. It was a chestnut." this remarkable episode. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater that "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, province." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. all-comprehensive glances. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought