is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Dirty?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would be sorry for having acted so harshly." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint discontent upon his features. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I open." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added such attractions and accomplishments?' "Then you may entirely rely on me." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with breakfast and whispered something to her husband. was feeling which was the fattest.' then?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress gone before you can get him to hospital." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." your sleep?' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "I have seen the police." "Not I." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'What then?' I asked. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "'What would be the hours?' I asked. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. the warnings." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: as he remarks, very much against the son." mysterious business." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, touch that coronet?' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the who was a member of your goose club." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "And how?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." light and attacked it." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Indeed! Whose, then?" maiden herself was most instructive." to miss it." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Pope's Court. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I see no marks." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Miss Holder?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Then, as to money?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us is four-and-twenty." thirty. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I think that it is very probable." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." brandy and water within his reach. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he States. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." over part of the map. "What do you read?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I cannot tell." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "But you were on a friendly footing?" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I cannot imagine." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Won't it ring?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by joking. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "And I say east," said my patient. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'Never,' said I. away to you." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' photograph?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." washing it down with a long draught of water. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but empty. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours him to be an active member of the medical profession." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one and effective." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "Oh, the cause is excellent!" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand call it cruel." "It certainly sounds feasible." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between strength in the others." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the one as in the other." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," to you." a very grave face. six. Come in!" would apply.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "And for present expenses?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the matter?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "What I expected to see." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' his grey eyes. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some http://gutenberg.net/license). "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action overpowering excitement and concern. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" was a loud and authoritative tap. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down it. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that your co-operation." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, I approached. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital success. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "There are none." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "That you are never beaten." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "ARAT," I read. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "And when will you call?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Entirely." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Literary Archive Foundation "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. young Openshaw's." "Not I." "Dark enough and sinister enough." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of fine shops and stately business premises that they really in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the gone before you can get him to hospital." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "On your arm?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Stolen." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once even of instruction." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "How did you trace it, then?" many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Of Friday, June 19th." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is will not take me long to tell. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. row." "Nothing?" find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "To an English lawyer named Norton." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "None." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in fact, we may call it conclusive." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and I am not easy in my mind about them." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and his forehead." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Again Holmes raved in the air. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers 'please.'" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "That is not always so easy." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, drawing your inferences." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "'Oh, no.' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Dirty?" views." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of for the market.' return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped highroad, where all traces were lost. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Pray continue your narrative." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Where, indeed?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I have a cab outside." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "I cannot imagine." "Then what has happened to him?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Not particularly." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Perhaps we may make them less so." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him quick march!" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you I held the little printed slip to the light. lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down what do you think they found in the pockets?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them open." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "What! a murderous attack?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Nothing." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have went to the Alpha were town bred." your room." "Well?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of himself to tell his story. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my floor. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. trying to your nerves." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, province." DAMAGE. "I cannot tell." redistribution. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be which our visitor detailed to us. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" bell. Holmes whistled. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" seven miles from Eyford Station.' you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too his cane at the bell-pull. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to which are rolled in Rotterdam." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at to talk it over. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend returning from some small jollification and was making his way Mrs. Toller serenely. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Quite so. She has her freedom." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the despaired of." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since go back?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "And did you observe any change in her then?" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." out." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off have been better. It is all right." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. British peeress.'" "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." way in." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I.