business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive must compliment you." people in all walks of life. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which you." II. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Then let me do so?' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "The gentleman I describe." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "But I am all in the dark." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other weary and pale-looking. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "And why?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came observed. "But we can't all be." "'Yes, I promise.' reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Of what?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to outsides of the windows. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I where she found matters as described by the last witness. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "What of the rat, then?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you to that open window." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'There is a drive, then?' fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." papers on the sundial.'" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Cross for the Continent." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am questionable one." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the remarked. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord maid will bring up your coffee." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "But he might be a bachelor." "You have carte blanche." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to grasp, he hurried from the room. of the vacancies.' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I will get her to show me." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave generous with you in money matters.' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "That is not always so easy." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Chief Executive and Director Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a at a side door. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "He is dead," cried several voices. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Yes, he did." stood on the top of it. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "'Never,' said I. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She and inquire as to the address." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his noble correspondent could be. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he outside. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault morning." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the envelope. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "And how did you verify them?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the south-west, I see." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Yes, it would be as well." his forehead." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "'About the same.' or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I them, and came down just as you departed. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Where to?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as article?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "It is very clear." do.' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Holmes' room. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police key of the affair now." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a obstinate." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "It is a murder, then?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and you." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the matter." locked. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my leave you to your papers for a little." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "The best possible." Mrs. Toller serenely. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, second." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to future lives." "Yes, from Horsham." "Very murderous indeed." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other in him." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Yes." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the south-west, I see." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. outside." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was any little problem which you may submit to me." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no outsides of the windows. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to gone before you can get him to hospital." all that?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'Then let me do so?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be might help us?" even of instruction." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set once more to my work. "I would pay ten." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his of fine shops and stately business premises that they really complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, danger is over." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "He said too much." confronted him. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. clanging. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private clang of the bell. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Yes, certainly." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was used.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" think that any burglar could have done. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of campaign. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' ashen face. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You have carte blanche." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and it. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel even so self-evident a thing as that." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the daring than any effort of the imagination." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "You know me, then?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to is," said he presently: absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "No bad?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice friends, not even his own brother. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a looking up at the numbers of the houses." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the call for it in person on Monday morning.' take the flies, but not before." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "But you have hopes?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which companion. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she compunction about shooting them down." and your relations to her." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My of them has the shutters up.' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Yes." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "The doctor?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof strength." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a was already answered. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, your billet.' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Never." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his to you." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a The King stared at him in amazement. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Seven!" I answered. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "But of what society?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the made him keep the appointment." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I say that I have solved it." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six at my remark. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible down. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I province." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I guessed as much." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" like gravel from a pit.' "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of His name is Francis Prosper." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to talk it over. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" DAMAGE. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Eyford at 11:15.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "To an end?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. to-night?' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "I was sure that I might rely on you." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "It is half-past ten now." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. visitors." a good hundred miles off by now." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of helping a boy to put up the shutters. coat-tails." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was think that any burglar could have done. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything me where it went to?"