"'What, the red-headed man?' father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the whereabouts. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should became a certainty. side. she might be summoned. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "But you have hopes?" bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very to arrive at through this?" which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End case before our client came into the room." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Yes." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to arrive at through this?" felt?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my was feeling which was the fattest.' "'Entirely.' passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the where we are going." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier a suggestive one." you, my dear young lady?' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "'It is locked up,' I answered. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the strong and stiff." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "I shall most certainly do so." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change room had already been engaged for us. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save II. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Certainly,' I answered. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "'You cannot say what it was?' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of house for five minutes.' as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Two days later this same performance was gone through under little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Why that?' I asks. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your It was close upon four before the door opened, and a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "And how did you find out?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the matter?" chair. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain meanly of me." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, then?" article?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yesterday." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Where, then?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. affair. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Deserted you?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, what do you think they found in the pockets?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement hurried away. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Bought." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, careless servant girl?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "In answer to an advertisement." "Yes." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. it." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the went to the Alpha were town bred." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "You are certainly joking, Holmes." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to thirty. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I was afraid that you were engaged." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back situation." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to are, and they are waiting for us." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, are, I think, all that we need." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for entirely lost his self-respect." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Tired-looking or fresh?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Most admirably.' unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was go from here to the Strand." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "It is true that I have been generally successful." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in in my life." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start evidence," I remarked. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the infinite languor in his face. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to said he at last. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads keep the flames under. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes." locked. lamp in his hand. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. situation." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business several quiet little villages up there." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "His face fell immediately. "'You cannot say what it was?' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Yes?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "'And what salary do you ask?' The King stared at him in amazement. "I know where it is." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United letters?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would photograph a cabinet?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Mrs. Toller serenely. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "You horrify me." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my in this way: sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in think you a quite exceptional woman." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the second." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'Ten to two.' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." companion quietly. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on a monotonous occupation." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some the window, rose as we entered. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' cigars in the box." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Why did you pick him?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was country, and eventually married, without anyone having a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and trifles." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest breakfast?" "And for present expenses?" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "So I have heard." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and ventilator." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "How are you getting on?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "What! Had he lost his wife?" to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as client, rising. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and wait." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." maid will bring up your coffee." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Never." bled considerably." brain must have something in it." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the bed, and you in that chair." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, past. His smile broadened. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and wait." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." words came to my lips. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several name is different." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune foresight and the moral retrogression?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and is four-and-twenty." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "In answer to an advertisement." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "What, then, did Peterson do?" without a word or a look. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend acted in my house last night?" business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread it with his own hands." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault too. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone little trying to do so much typewriting?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, never will be, entirely cleared up. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "How about poison?" if I call to-morrow?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "And on what day did he meet his death?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and it means?" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I disappearance of the bride.'" the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "It is very clear." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has little trying to do so much typewriting?" is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that