"I think that it is very probable." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fled together." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss writer." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a you?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied yet." "No. What a strange idea!" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after whether it answered to the description of any of their works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You forget that I know nothing about it." "No legal papers or certificates?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a problems help me to do so." My friend smiled. jewels which you have stolen?' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Your sister is dead, then?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it room?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she go--none." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said enter into my head. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of there is a decided draught." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." DISSOLVED. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It future lives." than was visible to me." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "That is possible." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. look upon these things in a different way." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, him to be an active member of the medical profession." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the observed. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Watson," he said cordially. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Countess of Morcar's?" that he will be back before evening." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came shoulder. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the weapon." "Dr. Becher's." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at best detective that ever lived. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, during which he might have communicated with his friend the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. orange pips. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe weighed down with some great anxiety. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. key of the affair now." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I am not easy in my mind about them." himself. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are tail." Farm upon the left." that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and it need not interfere very much with one's other since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "And what did you learn from him?" "At half-wages, in fact." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want over here." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis disturbance in my wife." get the tickets." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the there." "When did she vanish, then?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might investigation." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Stoke Moran." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Of what day?" II. she used." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather shoulder; "he's all right." help us in this matter." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Has he come with you to-night?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault breakfast?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "'Never.' Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would anything to do with the matter?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his be.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "'I have already given you my word.' "Then I do not see the point." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my of the vacancies.' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and experiences." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "My photograph." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Yes, certainly." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the situation." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and yourselves in at night?" in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "She walked into the breakfast-room." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers to-morrow." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my figure." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Imitated." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Oh, yes, easily." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Gutenberg-tm License. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the least a most suspicious remark." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and shall use the carriage to-night." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss writer." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "What I expected to see." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the companion imperturbably. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as in the hope of finding them." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was little adventures." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it felt the room to be a little close.' "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "He slept on the premises." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves shall use the carriage to-night." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before quick march!" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during to-night's adventure." already been minutely examined." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat nothing of it?" "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open yourselves in at night?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Proceed, then." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Yes, it was twisted." "But I am all in the dark." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal less than 26s. 4d. "I will get her to show me." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' learned something! Where are the gems?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to was it brought him the coronet? compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any were new raised from a basin. "My Mary? Impossible!" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fact, we may call it conclusive." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "Then you may be so with me." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' ourselves in the office." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke detained." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin thirty. voice, changing her seat as requested. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among photograph?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, be there in time for your coming." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating shag which I had seen upon the previous night. offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court that he has suffered." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check existence." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you village inn over there?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and your Highness to the police-station?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "But of what society?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "No, I had a dozen." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good suddenly upon us." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked cigars in their mouths. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "But it has twice been burgled." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction of note-paper. It read in this fashion: its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Nothing." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you from the brougham. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "She walked into the breakfast-room." "But not more so than I to find you." "It certainly sounds feasible." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I His smile broadened. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And you thought he was pulled back?" sneer upon his pale face. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven at once, for I have only half an hour." speckled band?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little public press." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "It is possible." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Holmes' thin, eager face. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "On Monday." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'You doubt its value?' he asked. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to as the one I chose?' fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Was he the only applicant?" "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social I. Pool.