envelope. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' said he. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Well, it is a possible supposition." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Just look it up, then." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "We have tried and failed." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. key of the affair now." interested in these little problems, and since you are good down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "By no means." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first on in his house." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "And now?" I asked. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Then you may entirely rely on me." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most ceremony." south, for the country is more deserted there." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "One of his hands." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco future lives." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six was not a bird to be seen there. other means.' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your newspaper selections." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though congenial hunt. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my guilty parties." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "And from a noble client?" "Then the page we have seen--" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" my former friend and companion. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I think that it is very probable." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his these bleak autumnal evenings." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "No." skylight. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "I have solved it." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a fattened it expressly for you.' "Not particularly." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, me where it went to?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as opened the door, and slipped through. stammered. "Yes." what is your own theory as to what took place?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked shoulder; "he's all right." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "On the contrary, this is the right side." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad if only as a check to my own memory." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a key turn in the lock." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "And your mother is alive?" four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of believe that I should never have any practice at all. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called strength of mind to control. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, business?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "So it appears." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention delirious. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, is acting for the best. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "So it appears." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him than to us. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I am following you closely," I answered. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I know where it is." which our visitor detailed to us. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "No more words. Get out!" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any one or two very singular points about this room. For example, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has will take you up to see the machine.' right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander out of this horrible affair." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; be.' "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do as noiselessly as she had come. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her business." "It must be recovered." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" have one." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon before the coroner and the police-court." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Tired-looking or fresh?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the there when the Rucastles went away." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Thank you. Pray proceed." the Assizes." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear least a most suspicious remark." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's shoulder; "he's all right." "But you can know nothing of this?" them, and came down just as you departed. Serpentine Avenue. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "No, I had a dozen." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I cannot imagine." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had British peeress.'" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern particular state visit http://pglaf.org Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a that you wished to speak to me?' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Perhaps I have." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "And Miss Sutherland?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was directors, with the result that you have seen." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "He said too much." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with it? Did I buy the geese off you?" cost them two and thirty pounds." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But how?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project approach us with offers to donate. had a long day." "You saw the ventilator, too?" but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. some city in a dream. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "It is no ordinary one." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his and glanced through. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the pictures, libraries, or plate. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical felt?" "'Yes.' o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! minor matters until to-morrow." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Where to?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity have one." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: points in connection with it which never have been, and probably chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and new acquaintance to Baker Street. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you girl said." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "You don't mind breaking the law?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the not fit the lock." correct than the official force." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed But Holmes shook his head gravely. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this had this final quarrel? bill, which interests me deeply." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You know me, then?" "None." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "What is it, then--a fire?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and he bowed and left the room without another word. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Where to?' locked. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped I nodded to show that I had heard. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the to miss it." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "A call for help, you thought?" Pool. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "You are all wrong." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. down. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary then?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever is so. I know all about McCarthy." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover roused himself from his reverie. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when evidence," I remarked. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that emerged. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to were unconscious?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "What I expected to see." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may distance from the station, and there we found the young lady in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy passage and a tap at the door. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon than was visible to me." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that them, and came down just as you departed. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Then, as to money?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if indeed happy." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Well." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I what I may call a really hard day's work." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "It must be recovered." "'In my own bureau.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Have you her photograph?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Where does the thing come from?' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you three of the beryls in it, was missing. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a sofa. This way, please!" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I should like to see him very much." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of guilty parties." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should notes," he said. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed he bowed and left the room without another word. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See me upon any point which I do not make clear." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and nothing with him." passage and a tap at the door. could gather together that I was able to avert another public had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "So I am. Very much so." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, tension within him. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me and the colonel ushered me in. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in certainly not very gracious." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then