"She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting looking up at the numbers of the houses." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. until night should bring an explanation. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held was a lad." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich he. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "What office?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life chamber." "There are none." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "'Yes, sir.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "And I to find an enemy." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I strong reason behind." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought would then never go into court at all." of this gang." power." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was at my own good fortune. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "They are typewritten," I remarked. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "And the murderer?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few forehead. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "My private note-paper." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Countess of Morcar's?" to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There my special province." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his evidence," I remarked. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the province." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "It missed him, then?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" sofa. This way, please!" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, them?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "It missed him, then?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in golden eyeglasses. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said that you can jump it.' deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the side-table." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag The events in question occurred in the early days of my wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Which are?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you pictures, libraries, or plate. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fire. You quite follow me?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, works. See paragraph 1.E below. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': it." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Count Von Kramm." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the awaited us upon the table. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the grasp, he hurried from the room. weapon." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the side-table." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "No bad?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Where, then, is my wife?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Did you observe the colour?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up of Mr. Rucastle's." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across stepfather?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Yes." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Again Holmes raved in the air. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Here?" desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "But I have heard all that you have heard." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The you." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the voice, changing her seat as requested. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "To an English lawyer named Norton." "None. Neville wrote those words." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to strode off upon his way. me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon better grown goose." way in." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the gentleman's clothes. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, tell me that you intended to go into harness." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. hair?' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "By no means." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" instituted." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my is four-and-twenty." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It you." that you saw all that I did." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De coroner's jury." situation." all?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful until night should bring an explanation. my little problems." served to weaken the effect. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend went to the Alpha were town bred." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall imbecility!" he cried. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have 11:15.' waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. problems help me to do so." national property. I was determined that the law should have its person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was back into the street. Gutenberg-tm License. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at very old mansion. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "In which, sir?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, even of instruction." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "In which, sir?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Because he was handy and would come cheap." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. populous neighbourhood." "It is true that I have been generally successful." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "In heaven's name, what for?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Very. But will he see it?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "No." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson been." "You have carte blanche." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for very peculiar words of the dying woman?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet morning." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I guessed as much." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Very well, sir. And this stone?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "She showed me, as I told you she would." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "That is not always so easy." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court dramatic, in fact." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Whose house is it?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'In my own bureau.' "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "What steps will you take?" I asked. memory. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found directly by questioning you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch peculiar to him. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the companion imperturbably. enough to aid us in our search." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a I held the little printed slip to the light. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a new duties?' last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room ill-usage at the hands of fortune. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing relief. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds newspaper selections." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be meant it for the best. "Why did you beat the pavement?" coroner's jury." power." walking." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work unprofitable." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." detained." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "What then?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if so far?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other him. congenial hunt. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely friends, not even his own brother. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the child." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes promised to bring home. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations chair. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria better grown goose." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all come either from the window or the door. My attention was during which he might have communicated with his friend the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "So I heard. You have him here?" "I think it very unlikely." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of advice." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I to tackle the facts." room. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other your most interesting statement." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big opportunities to fix the problem. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in