with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Sholtos." conclusions. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Witness: Nothing definite. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on hereditary King of Bohemia." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington opportunities to fix the problem. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "Nothing?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Was she in good spirits?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "To the police?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to arrive at through this?" "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this recover the gem." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to breakfast." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist gone before you can get him to hospital." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a be there in time for your coming." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." third from London." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped to take care of herself." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall writers could invent nothing more crude." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of respectable self." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he ashen face. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite house for five minutes.' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "You saw the ventilator, too?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "He said too much." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Yes, it was gone.' weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you than was visible to me." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in memory. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at it right.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, for securing the situation." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not go--none." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, Arthur Conan Doyle values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "But she will refuse." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and a shock of very red hair. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "And why?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "You have a clue?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who the warnings." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a events than those which have happened in my own family." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we during the last few years, and there are many noble families to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "It is to him that this trophy belongs." your billet.' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I matter." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I crime." "Was she in good spirits?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the with frightened eyes at his accuser. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "And how did he make his money?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "How many? I don't know." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She handed it to him. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. me. You must get home instantly and act." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a are, I think, all that we need." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Never to return." were new raised from a basin. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Yes, but only for you and me." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." asked. "None." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "No bad?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. was feeling which was the fattest.' side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' imbecility!" he cried. upon the sideboard." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. passage and a tap at the door. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I would give my fortune to have them back." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured residence of the great financier. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "I answered that I had not. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very taking in every detail of the apartment. friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, up this clue while it is still hot." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and His smile broadened. Henry Baker is a member." crackling voice. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some were new raised from a basin. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By http://www.gutenberg.net latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the over with notes and figures. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an where we are going." the driver. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" bears upon the case?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I is," said he presently: "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'You cannot say what it was?' was already answered. taking in every detail of the apartment. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Yes, sir.' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and that he would see to anything that turned up. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Yes, certainly." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "But you can know nothing of this?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Stolen." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had leave you to your papers for a little." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "You saw the ventilator, too?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Was she in good spirits?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was were wasted." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "You are hungry," I remarked. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Literary Archive Foundation upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her unprofitable." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now and that he would see to anything that turned up. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back present strange and interesting features that it is no easy all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in it with his own hands." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. this remarkable episode. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers The note was undated, and without either signature or address. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the money should be paid at once.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." forbidden door. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Yes." "I say that I have solved it." "Yes, only one." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I promise," said Holmes. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, It was close upon four before the door opened, and a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. for its centre. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the very morning of the wedding." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with roused himself from his reverie. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Then what has happened to him?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have photograph?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and you?" her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a noting anything else of interest. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being prepare for the new role I have to play." fishes. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner she to prove their authenticity?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat forehead. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "His face fell immediately. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after have I gained?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The His name is Francis Prosper." For additional contact information: "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would I shall communicate with you." results." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "'I am sure if I had known--' rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so bell. Holmes whistled. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Then he might have called to you?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in salesman. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the date of his supposed suicide." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I carried out of court." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to infinite languor in his face. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was really the only notable feature about the thing." "What!" he roared. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you would then never go into court at all." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch have got?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We situation." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I train from Paddington which would bring you there at about erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "'Not at all. I only doubt--' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking my former friend and companion. everything which you would wish to know." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "No sign of it?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Precisely." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the this Miss Turner." chair. been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker other means.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, society." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. help us in this matter." closely." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You know me, then?" ourselves in the office." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. quickly through a disagreeable task. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "10th. John Swain cleared. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a