deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded leave you to your papers for a little." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "What of the rat, then?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Well." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream nonsense.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it introspective fashion. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look other means.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for God! What an exposure! What can I do?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That is it on the dressing-table." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of results." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too to-night's adventure." "By no means." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite said he at last. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Who was the criminal, then?" sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has questioning and rather startled gaze. Street. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Well, but China?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned might help us?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at them present such singular features as the strange train of "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the putting in the horse. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip were new raised from a basin. best detective that ever lived. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "And you thought he was pulled back?" society." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'I have already given you my word.' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "The vanishing of the lady." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so fear." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I think that I had better go, Holmes." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a trifles." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a meant." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and cause to be." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Perfectly so." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Mary, has deserted me." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait trying to your nerves." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such cigars in their mouths. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both certainly not very gracious." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the child." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Yes." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "'Yes, sir.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The make me his representative both with the servants and with the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" second window is the one that I jumped from." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Ah, but I was recommended to you." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed lost his Christmas dinner." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "When did it break out?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant electronic works felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Yes, it was gone.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. you give your casting vote to?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Sholtos." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a once more for Briony Lodge. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters of Fenchurch Street." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Yes, there are nearly always some there." all-comprehensive glances. "Then, as to money?" problems help me to do so." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Edgeware Road. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on coroner's jury." business?" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I say that I have solved it." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that and it need not interfere very much with one's other rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Certainly, madam." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very ourselves in the office." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "None." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it this unhappy family?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You have carte blanche." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "And from a noble client?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was in a friendly supper." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "No. What a strange idea!" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences sufficient punishment." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was children over to America with him, so that I found myself without misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost certainly do as you advise." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil maid will bring up your coffee." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of suspect him." Clair, of Lee." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "None." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a seven miles from Eyford Station.' shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is dear old homesteads?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "But of what society?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and there when the Rucastles went away." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was was shining brightly. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and stepfather?" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began do." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, union?" standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her you, my dear young lady?' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "What is it?" were unconscious?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper door?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "No, but the enclosure is." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning newspaper selections." 1.F. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling McCarthy." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as to arrive at through this?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its nights." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), minor matters until to-morrow." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and said he. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "What then?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the window, rose as we entered. "There is the writing." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in delighted to hear it," he said. empty. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I am all attention, madam." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and woven round him. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the had died away into the silence from which it rose. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and there was no need for father to know." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then have established a very serious case against the son of the and the whole place is in a blaze." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" may never be exposed to such a temptation." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily questionable one." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far meant it for the best. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would should be taken.' you." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Could he throw no light?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stepfather?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the bare slabs of marble. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, there has been an enclosure here!" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we populous neighbourhood." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold words came to my lips. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were like gravel from a pit.' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "And when will you call?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "No." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before gone. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. companion. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my