papers must be those that are destroyed.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I am armed." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Have you good authority for what you say?" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had exactly what you advise." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "How about poison?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined forbidden door. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to-night?" I asked. hereditary King of Bohemia." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "She told me to ask you." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If unprecedented a position." "Game for a morning drive?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "How about poison?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "But she could not love him." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Entirely." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife conduct the inquiry." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a sound at heart." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that chair. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight fat-encircled eyes. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that is a common subject for conversation. that, and I came down." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'I have already given you my word.' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and IS it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. said I. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's second." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Quite so. She has her freedom." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential your billet.' your sleep?' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a you came in." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I you." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." where we are going." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other business?" morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that which our visitor detailed to us. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the society." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of your co-operation." "Where is it, then?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He where we are going." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying delirious. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Holmes, the busybody!" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my enough to aid us in our search." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." hopeless attempt at recovering them." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "None." Mrs. Toller serenely. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the evidence," I remarked. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got when you have done it." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "None." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black a little more before I quite committed myself. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss nice household for a young lady." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have once more for Briony Lodge. strong and stiff." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a you in yours." clang of the bell. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Henry Baker is a member." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get sake, don't!" opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, indeed which he could not unravel. the station." lamp. "I have come for advice." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a papers must be those that are destroyed.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "None." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Witness: Nothing definite. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend people in all walks of life. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "How on earth--" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite salesman. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has words came to my lips. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, do.' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Very good.' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, writer." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is once more. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a taking in every detail of the apartment. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her matters immensely." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I see no marks." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had politicians who had been sent down from the North. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'I have heard so.' "It's nothing of the kind." bled considerably." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. indeed which he could not unravel. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I do." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "What are they?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "You have a clue?" "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building was once confined in the cab my mission was practically behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when to talk it over. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall notes," he said. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in the dead of the night?' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. I. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are to you." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary bonnet, and went out." tell them apart.' be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Mary, has deserted me." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can true." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning not personally threatened." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned like that before?" fat-encircled eyes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable open." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, I nodded again. it." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his grey eyes. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Very murderous indeed." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in nonsense.' "What steps will you take?" I asked. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "I don't say that. Perhaps." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his away to you." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and is so. I know all about McCarthy." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since lamp. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in clanging. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "'Ten to two.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. know all about it," he snarled. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of them has the shutters up.' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to been with you?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Bought." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "How do you know, then?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right fish-monger and a tide-waiter." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked name is different." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Holmes." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "It was a confession," I ejaculated. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would and looked back. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the Red-headed League." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. to arrive at through this?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "In heaven's name, what for?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the been." stammered. that followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Certainly." "Where, then?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a