"'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs me." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily outbreak?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have leaning back in his chair. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "If so, much may have happened between." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Very murderous indeed." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 were unconscious?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do good for you to do.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then his face which made him a very different person to the round, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "But I am all in the dark." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from you for a few hours?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of Fenchurch Street." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "I was certainly surprised to find you there." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat felt?" "About a month then." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there these bleak autumnal evenings." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester strong reason behind." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to-night?' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What fattened it expressly for you.' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked of his shoulders. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the inner apartment." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some people don't know." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, records." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "And that is--" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." one of them." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Eyford at 11:15.' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs suggested at once that there must be a communication between the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had miles off. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" prison!" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Only as much as we can deduce." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is outsides of the windows. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I should like to see him very much." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of the Assizes." those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed tell me that you intended to go into harness." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase time." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." I. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united less than 26s. 4d. out of this horrible affair." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Of what?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Tired-looking or fresh?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes had picked up in the wood. your Highness to the police-station?" good for you to do.' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." him." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. all-comprehensive glances. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice considering the formidable letters which were received by himself building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fishes. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Have you good authority for what you say?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Then what has happened to him?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to security.' company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all ago." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had away to you." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I will try. What is it?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Texas, I think." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do My friend smiled. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. dramatic, in fact." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have posted to-day." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Holmes rather sternly. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of plantation.' "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "I was afraid that you were engaged." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "In San Francisco, a year ago." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a problems help me to do so." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the devil!" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my my special province." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his said he. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "He slept on the premises." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put ways of our fellow-men." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me matter." my friend's incisive reasoning. joking. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'There is a drive, then?' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Tired-looking or fresh?" were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to some other building. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Very much so." "It is no ordinary one." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with such attractions and accomplishments?' among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped very peculiar words of the dying woman?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our footfalls from the street. you." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his with the outside air!" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time been deceived." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my extraordinary contortions. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated these bleak autumnal evenings." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "What do you mean?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" unprecedented a position." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "And for present expenses?" "And for present expenses?" is acting for the best. "Yes." drawing your inferences." as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the night.' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Witness: It was. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have death." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he and the whole place is in a blaze." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "None." out of this horrible affair." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and it need not interfere very much with one's other over part of the map. "What do you read?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. 'please.'" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of outside. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the colour had been driven from his face. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was arrangements." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net subject to the trademark license, especially commercial weapon." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is highroad, where all traces were lost. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "What, then?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that I may have something better before very many minutes are cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the room while you explain this matter?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I sit on the left-hand side of the driver." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes, sir." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "The vanishing of the lady." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "What steps will you take?" I asked. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should washing it down with a long draught of water. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite relation between them, and what the object of his repeated would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'What, the red-headed man?' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had pound a week." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a fluttered off among the others. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Precisely." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name one or two very singular points about this room. For example, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "The Coroner: What do you mean? his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. lectures into a series of tales." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And now?" He raised his hand. Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "It must be recovered." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been straighten it?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Holmes' thin, eager face. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was