his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "But we can't all be." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Why, it's a dummy," said he. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." secret." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear distinguish the words: before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what DAMAGE. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "What is it, then--a fire?" meanly of me." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. and your relations to her." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon joking. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I guessed as much." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any official police." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I do." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which leave you to your papers for a little." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have I approached. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for carriage. It was a chestnut." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that dead, shall be safe with us." are windows in it, of course?" Does that suggest anything?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. death." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "I am following you closely," I answered. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the tied." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "And I." "I answered that I had not. or in danger--" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll cup of tea. see me here to avoid scandal." "Yes." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. him, that man would not have given me such complete information and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "If so, much may have happened between." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'What, the red-headed man?' "'No, I know no one in these parts.' over with notes and figures. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and desk. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they that?' up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low strong and stiff." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "And how have you succeeded?" reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, populous neighbourhood." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "But you have hopes?" "You know me, then?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I took the paper from him and read as follows: next day. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their suspect him." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on annoyance, but no jest. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "And help." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I you came in." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I think that I had better go, Holmes." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she companion. happened." possible that we could bring him back to her? "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "By all means." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "And Miss Sutherland?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' round with crates and massive boxes. "In which, sir?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to hour?' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with there." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." cup of tea. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Yes, all." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I heavy and sharp instrument." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "My opinion is in no way altered." in the port of London." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now seen the man in the road." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for might have a private word with us. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the fire. You quite follow me?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "So it appears." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with companion. fat-encircled eyes. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "It is possible." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Why did you beat the pavement?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, appointment with me for six o'clock?" never came back." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my your bag." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad be sorry for having acted so harshly." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would companion quietly. "Very. But will he see it?" posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery have an American origin." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" to take care of herself." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual hopeless attempt at recovering them." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Why? What do you mean?" better grown goose." orange pips. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "The gentleman I describe." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You are hungry," I remarked. results." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the page at http://pglaf.org for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend learned something! Where are the gems?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my recover the gem." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his would apply.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let their singular warning or token before them when starting upon You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "No." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "It is to him that this trophy belongs." do." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried trying to your nerves." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his their singular warning or token before them when starting upon vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from place of silver." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage woman." sufficient punishment." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Well?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "No?" fasten all the windows?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could your only hope of safety." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an better grown goose." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Then I shall certainly come." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall is a common subject for conversation. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this so.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." do.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "Always." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a gone before you can get him to hospital." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little highly," said Holmes. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of as this. Pray let me have the details." and wait." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See clanging. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double read over the extraordinary announcement. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Who was the criminal, then?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was within hail.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were I took the paper from him and read as follows: woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "It was an hour's good drive." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'And the work?' "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he was lame." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free you, my dear young lady?' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive legal crime." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I would pay ten." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Holmes' room. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that cheerful." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Perhaps I have." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if remarked. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Where, then?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is me." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "But she will refuse." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "No." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on read over the extraordinary announcement. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Your sister is dead, then?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for details." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Ha! you find it so?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed which it had come upon my father." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I am about to be married." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against rose-bushes. showing my impatience. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what legal crime." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other I leave." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that you." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they paper in the air. shaken than I had ever seen him. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the room while you explain this matter?" Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "How can you tell that?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door.