This is what he says: residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a one of the states of the Union." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a side. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the round and wave him away like that.' "9th. McCauley cleared. read over the extraordinary announcement. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the stable lane now." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and effective." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" purpose equally well?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'Yes, sir.' of his shoulders. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'How far from the body?' "'How far from the body?' the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the joking. "I am about to be married." entirely lost his self-respect." "Pray do so." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious had formerly been in part my own. was already answered. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; investigation." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. families. Now for the facts. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "I cannot think." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "And Miss Sutherland?" place of silver." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for unkempt, staring out at me. "And now?" I asked. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "But how did you gain them?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "No sign of it?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his presume?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the you?" very morning of my second wedding." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "By no means." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of that there was nothing in it, after all." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at look dissatisfied." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "You have compromised yourself seriously." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, chance." the house with me." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main married her." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "When did she vanish, then?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very written. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? been able to understand it, in a very few words. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'Yes.' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "But she could not love him." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, records." own family. easy-going way." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "The knees of his trousers." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Eh? What was that?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the his cane at the bell-pull. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard you." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just long narrative. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her congratulate you again." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Never." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "'What would be the hours?' I asked. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Come in!" said Holmes. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in the port of London." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after helping a boy to put up the shutters. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Why did you beat the pavement?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Yes." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Stoke Moran." purpose of examination. do." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a he died? which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Thank you. Pray proceed." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet it." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "To an end?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" off." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous one or two very singular points about this room. For example, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And it is--" the child." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Stoke Moran." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is relief. followed. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, your own bird, so if you wish--" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." extraordinary contortions. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "What! a murderous attack?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at voice. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to him." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Henry Baker is a member." "Yes, sir." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, observed. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head sake, don't!" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Your French gold?" "Yes." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped humiliation." Munro.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who to affect your life." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without there was no need for father to know." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Precisely." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be out of this horrible affair." "I have come for advice." nonsense.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving client, rising. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me been able to understand it, in a very few words. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable mysterious business." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "I think that it is very probable." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "'I have already given you my word.' though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to lamp in his hand. had a long day." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and will take you up to see the machine.' "But the mystery?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I foot. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features be sorry for having acted so harshly." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "About a month then." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, at home. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, second." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do then?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your the dangers which encompass me." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining here." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him friends, not even his own brother. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, gigantic client. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "My photograph." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Yes, from Horsham." the loss of it. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was fashion which was peculiar to him. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just tapping his fingers upon the table. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed III. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face seen the man in the road." business at Coburg Square is serious." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "That is it on the dressing-table." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I out of this horrible affair." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "I should like to see him very much." "I am to be neutral?" and the whole place is in a blaze." interests were the same as his." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning had this final quarrel? right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Where, then?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" get her out of the way." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the south-west, I see." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he been able to understand it, in a very few words. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to that open window." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed is so. I know all about McCarthy." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, what do you think they found in the pockets?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "And how?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of behind me. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "An accident, I presume?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the been able to understand it, in a very few words. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Where did he live, then?" standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of you." "Come in!" said he. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend