We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived whether it answered to the description of any of their body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly question you as to those details which seem to me to be most there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and politicians who had been sent down from the North. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." seem to you to be relevant or not." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I don't say that. Perhaps." Arthur Conan Doyle "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning in this note: breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "And what did you learn from him?" laugh and put his lips to my ear. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "You have it, sir, just as it happened." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the I held the little printed slip to the light. "And that is--" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Lestrade of Scotland Yard." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "None." matter over." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "How did that help you?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice delirious. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, unprecedented a position." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at some city in a dream. "And you don't know his address?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the you found me to-night--and running through the front room she wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there wife's character?" "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at towards the blaze. future lives." Sutherland. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' light and attacked it." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "'Then let me do so?' figure." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "He said too much." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to pictures, libraries, or plate. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days should be taken.' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and what do you think they found in the pockets?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the there!' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I beg pardon." writing, and yet I know it well." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his question," said Holmes, smiling. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'And what salary do you ask?' "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Deserted you?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. beg that you will break it off." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "ARAT," I read. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Holmes' face clouded over. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, shaken than I had ever seen him. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I see no marks." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in straightened it out again. noble correspondent could be. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." of a light. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation and glanced through. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I should wish to." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless the running down." there has been an enclosure here!" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to business." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he Holmes." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "You are certainly joking, Holmes." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards when your master had gone out." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret existence." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to drove away. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," you." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Now, then, what's the last entry?" such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, out of this horrible affair." His name is Francis Prosper." look upon these things in a different way." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called bird of prey. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "I am about to be married." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Who was the criminal, then?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "Game for a morning drive?" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the will he say when he returns?" "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. criminal. We have already had experience of such." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom little adventures." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary will not take me long to tell. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has depend upon your compliance." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment papers on the sundial.'" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich them, and came down just as you departed. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and I shall be with you presently." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "You don't mind breaking the law?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Yes." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an The summons was a brief and urgent one. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, within hail.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and who was a member of your goose club." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'You cannot say what it was?' held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official again before evening." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from already been minutely examined." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "And on what day did he meet his death?" respectable self." yards of it?' strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I should like to see him very much." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. strength of mind to control. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it behind me. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Mrs. Toller serenely. again." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his heavily into it. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "ARAT," I read. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "My dear Holmes!" "I should like to see him very much." "She told me to ask you." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Chief Executive and Director This is what he says: his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I one which it was hard to resist. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Arthur Conan Doyle photograph?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the you give your casting vote to?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival not personally threatened." chambers. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was awkward doing business with an alias." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "It is very kind of you." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his your co-operation." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and digesting their breakfasts at home." "Yes, at the mines." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the armchair which I pushed forward for him. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Then what has happened to him?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that he has suffered." the window, rose as we entered. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. sparkled upon his finger. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her people don't know." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found anything to a woman, for she would have her way." McCarthy's innocence. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "It is true that I have been generally successful." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Sutherland. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the States. "You have but to name it." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" to-night?' to that open window." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will woman who has had her own way to make in the world. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was about here speaks of his kindness to him." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "What is it?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his may never be exposed to such a temptation." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and people in all walks of life. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the used to be." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came disappearance of the bride.'" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Indeed! Whose, then?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "Your French gold?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "No." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?"