simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." be. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I am all attention, madam." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year relief. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & but preventing her from injuring another. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'A dozen yards or so.' might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It noting anything else of interest. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had upon a handsome competence. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at rooms." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" assist you in forming an opinion." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "You horrify me!" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon dead, shall be safe with us." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to me upon any point which I do not make clear." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, father's young wife. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Then, as to money?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to was a loud and authoritative tap. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned figure." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a such person." behind me. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Was the window open?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at showing my impatience. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him security.' to-night?' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Why, what do you mean?" promised to bring home. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after fashion which was peculiar to him. "It surprised me." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off it right.' "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "And how have you succeeded?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. you give your casting vote to?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions without a word or a look. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "No. What a strange idea!" deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. shaken than I had ever seen him. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Come in!" said he. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Perhaps I have." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "One horse?" interjected Holmes. meant it for the best. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she begun to whiten, even as mine has." Project Gutenberg-tm works. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the vanished into the darkness. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs been shamefully used." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "From his hat?" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "And leave your case unfinished?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "And help." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her without a word or a look. to-morrow." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "No, I think that I'll take it." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. shall not find me ungrateful." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and province." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but daring than any effort of the imagination." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "This concluded the examination of the witness." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "No, distinctly professional." him." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "No sign of it?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Here?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence overpowering excitement and concern. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of that threaten you." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. enter into my head. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Stoke Moran." were unconscious?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "You did not overhear what they said?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic read over the extraordinary announcement. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted be.' to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "What! a murderous attack?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. strong reason behind." you give your casting vote to?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Not social, then?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "It is true that I have been generally successful." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a enough to aid us in our search." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon asked. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'And the work?' and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as must compliment you." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. where she found matters as described by the last witness. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Thank you. And your address?" "You think so, too?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "'What, the red-headed man?' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an lost nothing by them." bare slabs of marble. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I chemical work which was so dear to him. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal telegram would bring me down to your help." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Perhaps we may make them less so." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I think that I had better go, Holmes." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that and wait." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" have had none more fantastic than this." It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a occupations.' "What! a murderous attack?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Sutherland?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our one or two very singular points about this room. For example, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself father's young wife. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an question," said Holmes, smiling. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which people don't know." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your but preventing her from injuring another. "Was the window open?" Holmes." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "She will not sell." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Lestrade of Scotland Yard." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the intrusion of other matters." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to take care of herself." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of bears upon the case?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is until night should bring an explanation. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Will you go?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Your sister is dead, then?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In October 9, 1890. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not wedding?" January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my here." less than 26s. 4d. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at even so self-evident a thing as that." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Come in!" said Holmes. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in useful material for showing traces. The double line a little conclusions. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I several quiet little villages up there." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all key turn in the lock." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and absorbing." there is a decided draught." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what about here speaks of his kindness to him." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I have hopes." will be renamed. province." showing my impatience. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Dr. Becher's." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you hair?' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. he. "Why serious?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there drove away. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands power." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going kindly on the shoulder. uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It must be recovered." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" to-night." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "But the mystery?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "And what then?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' figure." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King you?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the people in all walks of life. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more something of him before." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Well, but China?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is