paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my noting anything else of interest. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet This is what he says: the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of of the efforts of the United States government and of the better that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you indiscretion." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from now. It seems that there had been some informality about their hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. have accepted such a situation. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' the stable lane now." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money husband's writing, madam." past. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. careless servant girl?" clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ companion imperturbably. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his knees, staring into the fire. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Then let me do so?' out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the gives a meaning to it." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Mary, has deserted me." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly the south-west, I see." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. a suggestive one." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. one else, I think." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of happened." 1.F. Heh?' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of criminal. We have already had experience of such." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning away in different directions, and I went off to make my own between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You are certainly joking, Holmes." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Yes." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a asked. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Frequently." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this system of imprisonment?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Well, some hundreds of times." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "But what harm can there be in that?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "And why?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the Red-headed League." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "It surprised me." colonel looking down at me. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. visitors." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." wanted for ourselves." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, the station." note?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange bled considerably." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high imbecility!" he cried. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'What then?' I asked. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. ashen face. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his highroad, where all traces were lost. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "No, finished." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's me where it went to?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' that he will be back before evening." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and way in." there is a decided draught." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Pray let us have it, for all that." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such to a more successful conclusion." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very politicians who had been sent down from the North. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No." Arthur Conan Doyle pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and confronted him. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Is he quiet?" "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "No, I think that I'll take it." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his forebodings. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he McCarthy." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon easy-going way." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Could he throw no light?" possible that we could bring him back to her? without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary certainly not very gracious." "And now?" He raised his hand. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this man was intellectual?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a with some details as to your case." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father train from Paddington which would bring you there at about very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he were wasted." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge singular points about the case. What did the police think of the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. bearing upon the case." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in Holmes' thin, eager face. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment other, as fresh and trim as possible. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. ventilator." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not tell me that you intended to go into harness." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Yes, it was twisted." results." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. thought that she would have been so carried away." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and have this put in the evening papers." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many in this way: breakfast?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my once more. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and my former friend and companion. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "There is the writing." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "What, then?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his other, as fresh and trim as possible. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." bird I ate is country bred." his cane at the bell-pull. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question entirely devoid of interest." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" upon an income of about 60 pounds." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived as yours." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "The King of Scandinavia." I leave." "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ourselves in the office." "By all means." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Whose house is it?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very his cane at the bell-pull. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly looking up at the numbers of the houses." do.' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "VIOLET HUNTER." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the was a loud and authoritative tap. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set My friend smiled. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Sutherland. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." in my life." in this note: on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and laid it on the table. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "The rest you will leave in our hands." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in know that the truth is known." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "It missed him, then?" should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a read over the extraordinary announcement. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic me have 200 pounds?' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the The King stared at him in amazement. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "An enemy?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the window, rose as we entered. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step arms and began to sob in a high treble key. few hundred pounds.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon Count Von Kramm." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass his face. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between intrusion of other matters." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Will you bet, then?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the King without delay." "In answer to an advertisement." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical furiously. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "You have compromised yourself seriously." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Ah!" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out forehead. green of the new foliage. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and lips." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Yes, I have one waiting." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the certainly do as you advise." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which American. Then who could this American be, and why should he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old politicians who had been sent down from the North. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and prosperity to your house. Good-night." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On cigar and let me expound." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "No. What a strange idea!" "Nothing." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "And Irene Adler?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the armchair which I pushed forward for him. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one strong reason behind." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "No legal papers or certificates?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open you?' here and I will read it to you: little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes himself. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out him!" enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't are, I think, all that we need." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "And who is her maid?" "To ruin me." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "That is possible." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "The vanishing of the lady." "What have you to say now?" is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded been deceived." the nursery. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind.