keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." nonsense.' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, cup of tea. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as where Mr. Fordham shows you.' corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was even so self-evident a thing as that." "You are hungry," I remarked. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to miss it." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my status with the IRS. yet." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray to change my dress. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "We must have a cab." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "So it appears." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Won't it ring?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in skylight. the nursery. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "It was an hour's good drive." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried II. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "And why in hopes?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, quick march!" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; is now desirous of getting those letters back." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It and that he would see to anything that turned up. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his asked. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My into the bag, and made for the door. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But she could not love him." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Yes. He waved his hands." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three into the room. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. my friend's incisive reasoning. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he mystery." (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different there." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do vault. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an photograph?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has excitement. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you face and glided from the room. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we where she found matters as described by the last witness. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought enough to aid us in our search." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this little adventures." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "'You cannot say what it was?' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "No legal papers or certificates?" depend upon your compliance." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it which should have the effect of calling the attention of the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly be sorry for having acted so harshly." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "No, distinctly professional." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the loss of it. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots McCarthy's innocence. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Stolen!' he cried. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards upon the white wrist. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "And your mother is alive?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to article?" astonishment. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the tear off another piece?' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "No sign of it?" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very train from Paddington which would bring you there at about therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "And what did you learn from him?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, later, upon the night of May 2nd." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" vanished into the darkness. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned of his shoulders. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening is," said he presently: "'It is locked up,' I answered. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." province." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very with her." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these his cane at the bell-pull. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen useful material for showing traces. The double line a little God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Certainly." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." himself to hunt down. sofa. This way, please!" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Nearly eleven." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I nodded to show that I had heard. companion quietly. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Absolutely none." purpose of examination. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. even of instruction." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." outbreak?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could business at Coburg Square is serious." "What then?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this nonsense.' name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little was not a bird to be seen there. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of and laid it on the table. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch to talk it over. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "I cannot tell." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the any more." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little few hundred pounds.' your bag." "And how have you succeeded?" the little opening for the ventilator is." "And when will you call?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so or other trace. But how on earth--" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather ways including including checks, online payments and credit card long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew you found me to-night--and running through the front room she you found me to-night--and running through the front room she by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the in this way: only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden article?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I don't say that. Perhaps." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "I cannot think." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all returned to France?" last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Absolutely none." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put true." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. place of silver." beyond words. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And why?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him It may be so in this case, also." said he. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it to have been novel and of interest." to a more successful conclusion." on in his house." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his residence of the great financier. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. handed it to him. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, yourselves in at night?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City here." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our acted in my house last night?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and peculiar to him. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his business came to an end." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg begin with, and I had not got mine yet." maiden herself was most instructive." generous with you in money matters.' "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, interest. They are important, you understand, without being the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, over here." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his walking." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Were they all fastened this morning?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a derbies." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that more solid." "Have you her photograph?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or three of the beryls in it, was missing. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age