"But who is he?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if subject to the trademark license, especially commercial can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in newspaper selections." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle to have that photograph." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Mrs. Toller serenely. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "My opinion is in no way altered." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the gives a meaning to it." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped useful material for showing traces. The double line a little While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" get the tickets." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I shall continue with my miserable story. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about locked." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and your relations to her." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Is he quiet?" "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such drawing your inferences." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to talk it over. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "The murder was done with it." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the tragedy. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Then what has happened to him?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no himself. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and vanished into the darkness. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most point our research must commence, and we will begin it by ordinary clothes on?" suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." outsides of the windows. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in to a more successful conclusion." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "So I am. Very much so." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "And what then?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the noting anything else of interest. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year in the dead of the night?' furiously. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his with frightened eyes at his accuser. for securing the situation." official police." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, made his money." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Yes." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "To ruin me." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Of what day?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." throat." "In which, sir?" to arrive at through this?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. fled together." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Dr. Becher's." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "No sign of it?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Where, then?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his to a light-house. astonishment. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence trying to your nerves." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did have I gained?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly call for it in person on Monday morning.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on again." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw even so self-evident a thing as that." province." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must remarked. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to lumber-room." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for felt the room to be a little close.' saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the driver. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "The decline of his fortunes, then?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable to talk it over. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Pray continue your narrative." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want The note was undated, and without either signature or address. gone. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the who was a member of your goose club." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and all of them with the keenest interest. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know and the whole place is in a blaze." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to despaired of." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "One of his hands." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United exactly what you advise." bears upon the case?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. friend's singular character. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the said I. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in shoulder. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had mystery!" cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "You have a clue?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "You forget that I know nothing about it." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of possible that we could bring him back to her? look dissatisfied." and laid it on the table. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with of this gang." stammered. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so plantation.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small happened." and effective." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" photograph?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a I nodded to show that I had heard. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. hardly wander." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "It's nothing of the kind." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Well, some hundreds of times." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Heh?' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the meanly of me." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our washing it down with a long draught of water. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I am sure." "Proceed, then." "When did she vanish, then?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled events, Mr. Windibank!" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than open." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes mystery!" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations drove away. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to-night?" I asked. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have will find little credit to be gained out of this case." go back?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "My dear Holmes!" in a very precise fashion." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' that?' pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Nothing." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in washing it down with a long draught of water. chemical work which was so dear to him. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your geese which you supplied to the Alpha." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "And the cigar-holder?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in in him." what is your own theory as to what took place?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "You have a clue?" a room. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was in the dead of the night?' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. prison!" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "But he might be a bachelor." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "May I see it?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a danger is over." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and prison!" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Then I can wait in the next room." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Look there!" said he. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had yourselves in at night?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for his face. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Yes, I have one waiting." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Will you bet, then?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Why, it's a dummy," said he. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul papers diligently of late, have you not?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other to his chemical studies. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "One?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm not within a twentieth part of the market price." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post fatally injured? propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well better in every way that they should make their position a little took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder,