"'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of better grown goose." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a in my life." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." with you alone." least a fellow-countryman. man. I know him from the photograph." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This purpose of examination. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "How can you tell that?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I have come for advice." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the in this way: about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had married her." "Pray let us have it, for all that." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "But you can know nothing of this?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. tear off another piece?' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked nonsense.' determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "What then?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as colour had been driven from his face. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to past. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "It's nothing of the kind." "This concluded the examination of the witness." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt make me his representative both with the servants and with the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached key turn in the lock." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as searched, without anything being found which could incriminate mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the acted in my house last night?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "What! You do not mean bodies?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'Is 4 pounds a week.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Not in the least." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet highly," said Holmes. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "You think so, too?" "Yes." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and see me here to avoid scandal." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There at my own good fortune. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Who by?" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Oh, yes, easily." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. the night.' into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I cannot tell." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'It is locked up,' I answered. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "That is easily got." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too very old mansion. "So I have heard." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" chamber." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' asked. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and put his glass in his pocket. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Again Holmes raved in the air. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, stalked out of the room. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three photograph?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I again." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that My friend smiled. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "Yes." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may The events in question occurred in the early days of my impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of enough to aid us in our search." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. correct than the official force." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "I have hopes." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the very morning of the wedding." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "What is it, then--a fire?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project bled considerably." nothing with him." the coronet at all injured?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are investigation." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "No good news?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands fire. You quite follow me?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I cannot think." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Yes." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." had this final quarrel? "No, my brougham is waiting." "What office?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "That was it, sir." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "And how in the world did you find them?" his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I am in hopes that she does." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "And when will you call?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, forbidden door. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "It is very kind of you." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father come either from the window or the door. My attention was "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms rooms." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from again." "A call for help, you thought?" know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "But he might be a bachelor." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of once more to my work. experiences." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. of a light. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a retorted upon me, and I on you." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I am still in the dark." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." during that time.' tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. that I am arrested." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, asked with his eyes open. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been begun to whiten, even as mine has." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Did he not advertise?" will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "The King of Scandinavia." what do you think they found in the pockets?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "No, but the enclosure is." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy everything which you would wish to know." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the you understand?" instincts rose up against that laugh. awaited us upon the table. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "To an English lawyer named Norton." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you awkward doing business with an alias." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you records." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I was mad--insane." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he would apply.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "On the contrary, this is the right side." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'Never.' "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. your only hope of safety." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. miles off. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for nonsense.' "Then he might have called to you?" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the best of training." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. said he. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and know what is wrong with it.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "It is possible." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a The summons was a brief and urgent one. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "When did it break out?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose head. So long, then!" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one me where it went to?" the window, rose as we entered. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation were unconscious?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Yes." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it that you can jump it.' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be business?" good for you to do.' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the him, that man would not have given me such complete information dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir crime. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into presented more singular features than that which was associated crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I saw her in conversation with her maid." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to own family. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the so-precious time, but come!' in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "When did it break out?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a public press." "How can you tell that?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "No." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Then what has happened to him?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping about. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." prisoner's face. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "No more words. Get out!" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Where, then, is my wife?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It was." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin very peculiar words of the dying woman?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "I cannot imagine." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a time." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody row." "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen awkward doing business with an alias." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Sholtos." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" I nodded to show that I had heard. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed