member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming you." "Witness: It was. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I have my revolver," said I. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any morning." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who from you?" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new about here speaks of his kindness to him." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common the address that was given us in the advertisement. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "'Yes.' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Well, but China?" "Where to?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "And sit in the dark?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "How many? I don't know." the dangers which encompass me." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "When did she vanish, then?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." residence of the great financier. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to forbidden door. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have outside." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I absorbing." your most interesting statement." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I have my revolver," said I. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was hereditary King of Bohemia." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. more terrible than the truth. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; him, that man would not have given me such complete information This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Breckinridge is his name." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "We must have a cab." Mrs. Toller serenely. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Perfectly so." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my way in everything. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late joking. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny to have been novel and of interest." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I promise," said Holmes. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up more terrible than the truth. "'Certainly,' I answered. Leadenhall Street--and--" some terrible trap for her." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Precisely so. But how--" "You have compromised yourself seriously." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my heavily into it. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to bedroom door." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'What, the red-headed man?' dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." electronic works hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered knowledge of the world." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand that you wished to speak to me?' all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could have I gained?" number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; power." himself to hunt down. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Certainly." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'What are you doing there?' he asked. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Where is it, then?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter skylight. plantation.' "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Pray do so." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out amused." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Where to?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all existence." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "But not more so than I to find you." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that I nodded to show that I had heard. the very morning of the wedding." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by outbreak?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside stood on the top of it. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very people don't know." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it seen the man in the road." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not have got?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "The Coroner: What do you mean? up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong train from Paddington which would bring you there at about my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside little adventures." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But in the dead of the night?' the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "It is solved." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a character. Holmes. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Has he come with you to-night?" to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is one's self under obligations.' horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the some terrible trap for her." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "How about poison?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself fatally injured? "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being redistribution. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Why serious?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a out." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the http://www.gutenberg.net she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on business." "I would pay ten." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Tired-looking or fresh?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, o'clock is it?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "No." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk your troubles." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Not social, then?" matters immensely." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a union?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held shoulder. that you wished to speak to me?' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Never." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." your co-operation." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for strode off upon his way. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'I shall certainly be there.' bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" morning." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "That is easily got." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. most interesting one." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I have a cab outside." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no any little problem which you may submit to me." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause envelope. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an corner of the building. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Mary, has deserted me." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram disappearance of these gems?" not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary golden eyeglasses. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece to tackle the facts." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to Eyford at 11:15.' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be enough to aid us in our search." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had there was no need for father to know." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the the room while you explain this matter?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Yes." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat out." "'I am sure if I had known--' intimate personal affairs in this public manner." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one strode off upon his way. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I really the only notable feature about the thing." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, hour." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "None." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'I am sure if I had known--' bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window wedding?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the occurred." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with done what I asked you, Jones?"