story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "From his hat?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one think that he is innocent?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the warnings." and the church but not where the lady lived." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We one else, I think." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his before the coroner and the police-court." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case gone before you can get him to hospital." forebodings. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "It's nothing of the kind." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. until night should bring an explanation. examine." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You horrify me!" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." you do it in twenty minutes!' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'As governess?' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. respectable self." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "9th. McCauley cleared. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "To an English lawyer named Norton." the house with me." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, the so-precious time, but come!' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project intimate personal affairs in this public manner." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "I am all attention, madam." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Stoke Moran?" said he. are, I think, all that we need." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock depend upon my doing so.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to talk it over. "What, then?" should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the writer." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, acquaintance?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Precisely." investigation." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'What do you call purely nominal?' "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is do.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father The police have openly confessed that they can at present make was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "And leave your case unfinished?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Absolutely none." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker certainly do as you advise." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Yes, he did." the morning and make my own way in the world.' look dissatisfied." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can ran thus: his eyes and forehead. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend chill to my heart. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "And for present expenses?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I think that I could be of assistance to you." companion. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Your presence might be invaluable." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, lamp in his hand. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in in the hope of finding them." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Certainly." was shining brightly. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Imitated." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; works. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' carpenter." breakfast?" ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'Ample.' absorbing." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "One of his hands." written. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." promised to bring home. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "What have you to say now?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the upon the shelf for the interim." a monotonous occupation." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after suspect him." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "'Yes, I promise.' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And the cigar-holder?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious to-night?' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is shall not find me ungrateful." power." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "No. What a strange idea!" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'I am sure if I had known--' Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was be.' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Proceed, then." your most interesting statement." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through nonsense.' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Thank you. And your address?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept any." best detective that ever lived. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation tell me that you intended to go into harness." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to thin legs towards the fire. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid pictures, libraries, or plate. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "What can you not understand?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "And why?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to returning from some small jollification and was making his way over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It is true that I have been generally successful." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "It is to him that this trophy belongs." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an pictures, libraries, or plate. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Henry Baker is a member." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "No legal papers or certificates?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw papers on the sundial.'" liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in she to prove their authenticity?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been and inquire as to the address." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "And the murderer?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Certainly not.' terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had side. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of I nodded again. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I am armed." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to him nearly every evening." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began jewels which you have stolen?' silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more his grey eyes. "You think that he is dead?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little interests were the same as his." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and forecastle of an emigrant ship. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Why serious?" think you a quite exceptional woman." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'And the work?' for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out legal crime." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no be best to do. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the one as in the other." "Have you her photograph?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "What will you do, then?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and own family. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the married her." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss security.' all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Why that?' I asks. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some behind me. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed him and tried to hold him back. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Dr. Gregory B. Newby and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "'You cannot say what it was?' trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until,