lumber-room." retorted upon me, and I on you." For additional contact information: triumphant cloud from his cigarette. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke is a common subject for conversation. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Oh, yes, easily." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." lectures into a series of tales." good-night and bustled off upon her way. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a rooms." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the him to be an active member of the medical profession." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her is acting for the best. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and were new raised from a basin. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Holmes' room. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white manager. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" of." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "You saw the ventilator, too?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from will he say when he returns?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Countess of Morcar's?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "But to whom?" as the one I chose?' its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the correct than the official force." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he interest. They are important, you understand, without being But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "'You doubt its value?' he asked. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin copied or distributed: after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the thin legs towards the fire. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large gbnewby@pglaf.org you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my But Holmes shook his head gravely. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said posted to-day." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "How on earth--" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my now. It seems that there had been some informality about their which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have garden below. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Where did he live, then?" over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Entirely." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Where does the thing come from?' younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, your room." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella more solid." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love disappearance of the bride.'" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" and have this put in the evening papers." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "But of what society?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might at home. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I guessed as much." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was appeared upon the scene." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. himself in a perplexing position. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended lids now and glanced across at his visitor. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most this remarkable episode. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir presume?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Sholtos." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "You forget that I know nothing about it." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose how narrow had been my escape. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of of this gang." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote with frightened eyes at his accuser. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he before the coroner and the police-court." the general public were present, then?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "The Cedars?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Watson," he said cordially. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Dirty?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put down. "So it appears." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the details." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "When did she vanish, then?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I never have." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "The decline of his fortunes, then?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily strength of mind to control. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so could not have written that. It is the German who is so ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I will try. What is it?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you in your example." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the to arrive at through this?" throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at yourselves in at night?" crime. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting tassel actually lying upon the pillow. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I chair. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they in this way: it." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody that before taking the final step I should like to submit the begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he taking in every detail of the apartment. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have society." towards the blaze. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you in darkness. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he success. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock tell them apart.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Get out!" said he. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official present." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood 1.E.9. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "There are none." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that visitors." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Not yet." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a certainly do as you advise." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "And Irene Adler?" though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest congenial hunt. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "None. Neville wrote those words." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its gentleman's clothes. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature the bottom.' the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was lost his Christmas dinner." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Have you it here?" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "What have you done?" asked Holmes. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and question," said Holmes, smiling. "'Ten to two.' "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in absorbing." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the stable lane now." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. suddenly upon us." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Holmes." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "To an English lawyer named Norton." Sutherland?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "And now?" He raised his hand. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "You are all wrong." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Come in!" said Holmes. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "No." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I was already answered. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of companion. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "By no means." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and danger is over." there!' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, away to you." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" wanted for ourselves." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of Mr. Rucastle's." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "What are they?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Oh, no.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could at once, for I have only half an hour." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, away to you." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day him nearly every evening." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Why did you beat the pavement?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right or other trace. But how on earth--" was feeling which was the fattest.' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I guessed as much."