tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we been able to understand it, in a very few words. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Ah!" which was all perfectly true. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the in this way: I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall habit of advancing money.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If and have this put in the evening papers." hair?' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fasten all the windows?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off my secret was safe in his possession. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking other means.' of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me indeed happy." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Holmes, the busybody!" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went strong reason behind." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of her also." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is him and tried to hold him back. "I promise," said Holmes. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty showing my impatience. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Yes, only one." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours it." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Holmes, the busybody!" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any is now desirous of getting those letters back." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Certainly." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire them, and came down just as you departed. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts before the coroner and the police-court." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my few hundred pounds.' "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the out." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "He said that you could solve anything." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "By all means." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Seven!" I answered. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "And you don't know his address?" fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in started for the Temple to see my husband. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." room?" Arthur Conan Doyle the house with me." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "In heaven's name, what for?" "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Tell me all about it,' said I. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows once more on the important position which you have been fortunate mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "You heard nothing yourself last night?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Sholtos." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for front of me. walking." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no that you saw all that I did." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will south, for the country is more deserted there." "But his lameness?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "If so, much may have happened between." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of writer." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from your own bird, so if you wish--" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try where we are going." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were pity, because in other respects you would really have done very believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll hereditary King of Bohemia." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "But she will refuse." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we wedding?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "No bad?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I saw her in conversation with her maid." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Why, what do you mean?" made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Then you may entirely rely on me." "I think that it is very probable." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Yes. He waved his hands." "And help." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. gone before you can get him to hospital." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the one as in the other." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. with her." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "No more words. Get out!" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" quickly through a disagreeable task. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and astonishment. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "Witness: Nothing definite. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll you?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open indeed happy." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Yes, at the mines." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Ah!" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." showing my impatience. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she must compliment you." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Proceed, then." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" events, Mr. Windibank!" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Yes, they were peculiar boots." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and no precautions can guard against." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took note?" even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In not, dad?" she asked. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned with you alone." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers miles off. "'Which dealer's?' fattened it expressly for you.' uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the envelope. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements you in your example." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice unclasping of his long thin hands. made him keep the appointment." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "It is half-past ten now." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut place, I think that there is good ground to think that the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out remarked. "We must have a cab." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 again." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have prisoner's face. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact business." case before our client came into the room." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "And your father? Did you tell him?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was silent! Oh, he will be silent!' nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." comes from the middle window." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the said he. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an be there in time for your coming." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. hand, madam?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Holmes. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "At what time?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a even of instruction." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "I will get her to show me." "Upon what point?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey we went to search for him, face downward in a little and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "I don't say that. Perhaps." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, assist you in forming an opinion." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely it." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture likely to be some crony of the landlady's." hair?' "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found bare slabs of marble. help us in this matter." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case breakfast." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I know where it is." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. will be renamed. "But how did you gain them?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too