man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Very murderous indeed." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to keep the flames under. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Yes, from Horsham." name is different." Surrey." assist you in forming an opinion." father's place of business?" before, for it was considerably after midnight. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an was a perfect sample of the class. on in his house." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel think you a quite exceptional woman." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have man. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire of a light. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." was lame." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Ha! you find it so?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would bill, which interests me deeply." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air quickly through a disagreeable task. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a populous neighbourhood." man. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "But who is he?" charge against him will break down." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was could gather together that I was able to avert another public have one." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "When did it break out?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Very much so." "Yes. He waved his hands." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such what is your own theory as to what took place?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock tell him that I know him to be innocent." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons these bleak autumnal evenings." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "That was it, sir." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Were they all fastened this morning?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I point in the dark hollow of his hand. husband's writing, madam." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the salesman. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "I see no marks." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal never came back." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "'You doubt its value?' he asked. it." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason like that before?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Yes, at the mines." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. pound a week." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my a suggestive one." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. results." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of chair. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Nothing?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "I am to be neutral?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" excitement. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "At what time?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police go--none." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found an introduction to him?" "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "The gentleman I describe." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of help us in this matter." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain she might be summoned. "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "It is no ordinary one." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner him and tried to hold him back. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the invisible to me," I remarked. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in chambers. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out place no limit on the sum I may draw." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm I have it here in my museum." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you occurred." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. already referred to. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "It surprised me." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I residence of the great financier. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in bonnet, and went out." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened straightened it out again. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "I would give my fortune to have them back." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she clanging. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Of what day?" way in." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "'I am sure that I do not know.' "You will not go there first?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong indiscretion." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the little trying to do so much typewriting?" feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your http://www.gutenberg.net "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "You have but to name it." "I cannot as yet see any connection." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to that threaten you." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Did he not advertise?" records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Yes, certainly." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "The murder was done with it." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "About a month then." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Seven!" I answered. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to with the outside air!" could not have written that. It is the German who is so Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Yes, I have one waiting." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I should be immensely obliged to you." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Upon what point?" princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers these bleak autumnal evenings." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, tapping his fingers upon the table. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I compunction about shooting them down." detained." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few hard-headed British jury." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, instincts rose up against that laugh. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "The rest you will leave in our hands." this as likely?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had himself. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do arrangements." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. fait accompli?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the vague figure huddled up in the darkness. I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return ways including including checks, online payments and credit card the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes woman." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he into the room. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Well, it is a possible supposition." true." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "And when will you call?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "The knees of his trousers." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I came to find a friend." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful floor. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I cannot tell." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "It surprised me." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and obstinate." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "And sit in the dark?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "That is possible." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "I was mad--insane." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." before the coroner and the police-court." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. you." to some other building. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such problems help me to do so." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "You horrify me." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had house for five minutes.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end This is what he says: "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Here?" returned to France?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three depend upon my doing so.' she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and hands. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too shall not find me ungrateful." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the man. I know him from the photograph." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and shall use the carriage to-night." this as likely?" elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more off." "I should wish to." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Certainly." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "On your arm?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Pray continue your narrative." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "But she will refuse."