showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us companion imperturbably. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "But what will you do?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever respectable self." followed. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. with her." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, quick march!" fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and too. "And the murderer?" with some details as to your case." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. started for the Temple to see my husband. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "My last client of the sort was a king." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in get her out of the way." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the armchair which I pushed forward for him. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is tightly behind him. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of present." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I will get her to show me." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all business?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very death." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look place of silver." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy clang of the bell. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I your billet.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely second." Clair, of Lee." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well closing the door. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I seem to you to be relevant or not." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that at my own good fortune. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He get the tickets." crowd. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was disappearance of the bride.'" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as definite end. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to room?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this highroad, where all traces were lost. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner me, and I could not think that his explanation of the coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." extraordinary contortions. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I will, Miss Turner." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you paper in the air. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of families. Now for the facts. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. I shall communicate with you." "What! Had he lost his wife?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through unkempt, staring out at me. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "It was." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I it." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you furiously. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and inquire as to the address." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Yes, there are nearly always some there." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE face and glided from the room. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these or in danger--" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the nursery. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab late." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "But what is it you wish?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a better in every way that they should make their position a little it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons III. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander out of this horrible affair." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the infinite languor in his face. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "You were travelling in the States?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. residence of the great financier. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" my room." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of of it with the greatest attention. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have case before our client came into the room." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases coroner's jury." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the running down." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Where to?' "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." McCarthy." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those newspaper selections." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. strode off upon his way. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "The King of Scandinavia." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been been shamefully used." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know tied." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Why, it's a dummy," said he. crime. "Ten will be early enough." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are coat-tails." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the horse could go." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he possible that we could bring him back to her? from you?" flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from charged with?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the ceiling. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we which it had come upon my father." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or mystery!" this Miss Turner." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Yes." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "You have carte blanche." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious Holmes' thin, eager face. "Texas, I think." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "'What, the red-headed man?' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Holmes' thin, eager face. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and round with crates and massive boxes. examine." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, hardly wander." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "No. His orders were to stay in the house." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Entirely." ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate strode off upon his way. "Were they all fastened this morning?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes few hundred pounds.' Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each writing, and yet I know it well." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that may have an influence upon European history." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, call you and give you the chance." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "None." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "That sounds a little paradoxical." a monotonous occupation." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days felt?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the back alive. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The experiences." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "But you have hopes?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "And the cigar-holder?" "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Then I shall certainly come." of the vacancies.' promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "The landlord of the Alpha." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "10th. John Swain cleared. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always test if we have an answer to our advertisement." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must which it had come upon my father." conduct the inquiry." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and key of the affair now." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "My stepfather's business papers." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "You are all wrong." "How did he come?" to me. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I chill to my heart. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor shall use the carriage to-night." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his cane at the bell-pull. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "But his lameness?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the at a side door. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. has little to do with my story." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Indeed! Whose, then?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'Never,' said I. "Pray let us have it, for all that." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Of Friday, June 19th." Eyford." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would fatally injured? key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your events, Mr. Windibank!" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Yes, certainly." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you fat-encircled eyes. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and