least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Thank you. Pray proceed." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "That is unusual in a young girl." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back get her out of the way." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "In the cells." in the hope of finding them." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "How did you deduce the select?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Your presence might be invaluable." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few arrangements." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A me. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Cross for the Continent." be best to do. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to happened." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it God! What an exposure! What can I do?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that as he remarks, very much against the son." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "On Monday." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found back into the street. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "He slept on the premises." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as be best to do. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and once more for Briony Lodge. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would tightly behind him. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up of receipt of the work. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "But who is he?" Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of questionable one." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and call it cruel." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "That is also quite modern," said the lady. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little here and I will read it to you: "And help." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right astonishment. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'There is a drive, then?' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is like gravel from a pit.' on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was photograph a cabinet?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she me upon any point which I do not make clear." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." existence." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "You forget that I know nothing about it." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Not particularly." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Quite so." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers ago." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I went to the Alpha were town bred." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It but preventing her from injuring another. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could made his money." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Did you observe the colour?" have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps in this way: "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do cup of tea. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Nothing." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." be. brandy and water within his reach. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Mary, has deserted me." Cross for the Continent." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. time." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What at my remark. "Nearly eleven." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Well." "Have you it here?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are said he. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but quickly through a disagreeable task. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor better grown goose." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak society." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune drove away. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This at my own good fortune. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the excitement. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "How did you trace it, then?" in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good not personally threatened." remarked. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the what I may call a really hard day's work." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat recall any case within my experience which looked at the first opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I make me his representative both with the servants and with the Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "'I shall certainly be there.' families. Now for the facts. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for long narrative. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me go--none." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." you for a few hours?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have future lives." Henry Baker is a member." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "If I can be of use." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the matter." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "What then?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington and the church but not where the lady lived." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "But how?" round and wave him away like that.' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "Yes, only one." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "When did it break out?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the it with his own hands." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. occurred." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." conclusions. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Yes." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so 1.F. coroner's jury." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly upon the sideboard." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which chamber." DAMAGE. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is when your master had gone out." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Thank you. Pray proceed." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has little trying to do so much typewriting?" imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in back into the street. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "No, I think that I'll take it." "That is not always so easy." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age in a very precise fashion." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed during that time.' feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the tapping his fingers upon the table. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you to surprise her." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and bedroom door." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly My friend smiled. unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of said I. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "No. What a strange idea!" the tragedy. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Then, how do you know?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Yes, the wine-cellar." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at mystery may be cleared along those lines." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my depend upon my doing so.' anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate light and attacked it." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" I leave." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am in hopes that she does." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "But the mystery?" "I saw her in conversation with her maid." THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was happened." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, to-night's adventure." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of written. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his we went to search for him, face downward in a little said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon the sideboard." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out I am not easy in my mind about them." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my populous neighbourhood." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded followed. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback four million human beings all jostling each other within the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." unkempt, staring out at me. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. hurried away. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that go back?" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, breakfast?" had this final quarrel? wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly humiliation." undoubtedly my uncle's." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it lumber-room." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "The landlord of the Alpha." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into come either from the window or the door. My attention was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just and looked back. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." placed his cuttings. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of that Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the devil!" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' have I gained?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'And what are they worth?' I asked. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, over here." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the