completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've him." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, in a friendly supper." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, giving me time to thank him. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Sholtos." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Why serious?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it ago." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I me. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Game for a morning drive?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be some water from a caraffe. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "On the contrary, this is the right side." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I For additional contact information: License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Which dealer's?' very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece which it had come upon my father." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "Proceed, then." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the you." made him keep the appointment." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon which I could not give. He asked for Alice. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Yes. He waved his hands." Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by emerged. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in digesting their breakfasts at home." "Murdered?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for at my remark. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "He slept on the premises." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of before, for it was considerably after midnight. together. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The in his power. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that I can to serve you." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "What?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, formed some opinion?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "What! You do not mean bodies?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful you in your example." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the and have this put in the evening papers." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "By all means." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a get the tickets." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through against a man in the prime of life?" eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "It was a confession," I ejaculated. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Never." Arthur Conan Doyle from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "But she could not love him." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "But your client--" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an true." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side there." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the His smile broadened. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in results." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the strong reason behind." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself meant it for the best. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if delirious. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite certainly do as you advise." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted But Holmes shook his head gravely. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation nights." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the best of training." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was fluttered off among the others. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and here and I will read it to you: as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my that go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Yes." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we bill, which interests me deeply." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "Nothing?" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with strength." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was retorted upon me, and I on you." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique prison!" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Dirty?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad you, my dear young lady?' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to of receipt of the work. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to other means.' me." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "It is very kind of you." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when is so. I know all about McCarthy." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "And your father? Did you tell him?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Where, then, is my wife?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a correct than the official force." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to that open window." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the fattened it expressly for you.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "He disappeared so suddenly." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my to his chemical studies. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience think that any burglar could have done. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under companion. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying without a word or a look. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I will, Miss Turner." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined himself to hunt down. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "'It is locked up,' I answered. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then Henry Baker is a member." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'How far from the body?' there were so many in the whole country as were brought together our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of keep the flames under. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both with the outside air!" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were affair. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be closely." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice next day. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a hand, madam?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "That was it, sir." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "About a month then." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than as noiselessly as she had come. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "And from a noble client?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not even so self-evident a thing as that." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Oh, yes, easily." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; answer." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no very morning of my second wedding." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "But to whom?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'Quite sure, dad.' "None. Neville wrote those words." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "That sounds a little paradoxical." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of know that the truth is known." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since 11:15.' waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss waste of energy." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. to surprise her." hands. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered voice, changing her seat as requested. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your what do you think they found in the pockets?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' than to us. "Breckinridge is his name." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, suspect him." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's quick march!" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He events, Mr. Windibank!" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The King stared at him in amazement. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." other means.' "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it to surprise her." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some directors, with the result that you have seen." and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "'Entirely.' "I will do it." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before highly," said Holmes. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Pray tell us what has happened to you." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as Farm upon the left." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, lips." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and there in twenty minutes." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Yes, it would be as well." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, him to be an active member of the medical profession." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without round and wave him away like that.' "I know where it is." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you