hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "And what did you learn from him?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "No. What a strange idea!" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Pray tell us what has happened to you." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in a friendly supper." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing your bag." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I nice household for a young lady." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I was mad--insane." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her Mrs. Toller serenely. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "It is very clear." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "And the cigar-holder?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary coat-tails." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back was it brought him the coronet? "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of little trying to do so much typewriting?" 1.F. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported appeal." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up http://gutenberg.net/license). invisible to me," I remarked. "And sit in the dark?" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." just ask you whether you had heard it.' the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "What shall I do?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the inquest, and which are worth considering." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious events than those which have happened in my own family." "None." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name interest. They are important, you understand, without being form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back quite distinctive." papers on the sundial.'" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Who by?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. "She walked into the breakfast-room." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "No." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been III. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I down. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg hand, madam?" pressing in one house as in another. with you alone." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that go--none." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Ten will be early enough." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in know all about it," he snarled. help us in this matter." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Have you it here?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as rooms." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes looking up at the numbers of the houses." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I am in hopes that she does." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it locked. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "To ruin me." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and back to my heart. "Come in!" said Holmes. "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found means taking possession of that which another person has a prior return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "But she will refuse." "What are they?" one or two very singular points about this room. For example, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door young Openshaw's." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out there." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to surprise her." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away any." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "I will try. What is it?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year interested in these little problems, and since you are good drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the of your young ladies.' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and be there in time for your coming." better grown goose." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lamp in his hand. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Was your sister dressed?" surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door way in." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "Deserted you?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left affair. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'Yes, sir.' "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, matters immensely." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "There is the writing." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question particular state visit http://pglaf.org subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated pity, because in other respects you would really have done very is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Which are?" late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of written, and locked the door of the office after me. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin gone before you can get him to hospital." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "You were travelling in the States?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps with you?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to must compliment you." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be few hundred pounds.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, done what I asked you, Jones?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Really! You surprise me." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of other, as fresh and trim as possible. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." trifles." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than six. Come in!" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and all of them with the keenest interest. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less certainly not very gracious." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, you came in." "The vanishing of the lady." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached what I may call a really hard day's work." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Dirty?" over here." delighted to hear it," he said. occurred." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the had died away into the silence from which it rose. "The King of Scandinavia." "And help." business came to an end." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second carried out of court." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Certainly." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "It must be recovered." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and this as likely?" perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On served to weaken the effect. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, to Leatherhead. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going my former friend and companion. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Oh, fresh and glossy." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'I am sure that I do not know.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to have I gained?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She directors have had misgivings upon the subject." and glanced through. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a have I gained?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by allusion to a rat. Where does the thing come from?' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has his knees, staring into the fire. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Eyford." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all sake, don't!" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. was already answered. "You know me, then?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't your co-operation." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the coronet in his hand?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Certainly." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up it were putty." absorbing." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "This concluded the examination of the witness." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "And the murderer?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of him. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not