autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he must compliment you." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "On your arm?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the people in all walks of life. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Certainly." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord believe that I should never have any practice at all. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "In answer to an advertisement." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have three of the beryls in it, was missing. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Dr. Becher's." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "That also I could fathom." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper newspaper selections." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Then I am your man." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, confronted him. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this photograph a cabinet?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I official police." "That was it, sir." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I be sorry for having acted so harshly." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a room?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and discontent upon his features. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will been with you?" his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "Then what has happened to him?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, south, for the country is more deserted there." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so kind enough to tell me what I should do." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "So I heard. You have him here?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Leave Paddington by the 11:15." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes passage and a tap at the door. nonsense.' the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "And when will you call?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." father's place of business?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want fait accompli?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. learned something! Where are the gems?" overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Yes. He waved his hands." always that they were such commands as a lady might with after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "I have solved it." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Why did you pick him?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "You have carte blanche." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." papers on the sundial.'" business came to an end." opportunities to fix the problem. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the Assizes." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "By no means." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met have been better. It is all right." "Was he the only applicant?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet village inn over there?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Ten will be early enough." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to change my dress. is so. I know all about McCarthy." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the window, rose as we entered. "Yes." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his at my own good fortune. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Stoke Moran?" said he. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What notes," he said. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of me have 200 pounds?' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "The rest you will leave in our hands." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Dr. Becher's." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the his wife has ceased to love him." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock galvanised. http://www.gutenberg.net typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his of note-paper. It read in this fashion: assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "You are hungry," I remarked. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a chemical work which was so dear to him. over with notes and figures. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their row." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. of receipt of the work. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "No, my brougham is waiting." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the examine." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will pity, because in other respects you would really have done very will be renamed. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black have one." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See bears upon the case?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "But what harm can there be in that?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me what is your own theory as to what took place?" footfalls from the street. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret putting in the horse. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my affection." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet outsides of the windows. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "But you can know nothing of this?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was think, you have already met." possible that we could bring him back to her? "Your sister is dead, then?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'Certainly not.' to Leatherhead. "She showed me, as I told you she would." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret such attractions and accomplishments?' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a feature." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow you?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full that he will be back before evening." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I prepare for the new role I have to play." "I never have." "They are typewritten," I remarked. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to companion imperturbably. chance." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to that open window." Surrey." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when one of the states of the Union." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the bed, and you in that chair." "Will you bet, then?" "And how have you succeeded?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to out of this horrible affair." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become works. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'What then?' I asked. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of behind me. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Well, it is a possible supposition." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Yes, all." know what is wrong with it.' answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "My stepfather's business papers." strength in the others." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Yes, I promise.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve photograph a cabinet?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between returned to France?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "It was." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace helping a boy to put up the shutters. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Stoke Moran." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the For additional contact information: intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "How can you tell that?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No." village inn over there?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady events than those which have happened in my own family." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the Red-headed League." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like you." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action second window is the one that I jumped from." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "No, but the enclosure is." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version more solid." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred putting in the horse. delirious. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the affair. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" compunction about shooting them down." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." may have an influence upon European history." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black http://gutenberg.net/license). brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could and shall probably return to London by the evening train." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. think that he is innocent?" received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had noise which awoke you from your sleep?" already been minutely examined." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Stoke Moran?" said he. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and you?' astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Dirty?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking