or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and could gather together that I was able to avert another public Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." is four-and-twenty." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, where she found matters as described by the last witness. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the heavy and sharp instrument." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had maid will bring up your coffee." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And leave your case unfinished?" Serpentine Avenue. you." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." said I. my secret was safe in his possession. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the drove away. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were any." ventilator." "Upon what point?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements pound a week." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I will get her to show me." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it directors, with the result that you have seen." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for from the brougham. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread strange features which were associated with the two crimes which you came in." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you national property. I was determined that the law should have its next day. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Surrey." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently you." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the very letters. But what is this written above them?' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I have got?" "Was she in good spirits?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to envelope. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "That sounds a little paradoxical." even so self-evident a thing as that." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'I have heard so.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked easy-going way." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I cannot tell." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'Which dealer's?' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "What is it, then--a fire?" remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "My dear Holmes!" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "My opinion is in no way altered." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. is acting for the best. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'As governess?' "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "What! You do not mean bodies?" Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Yes, that is the Crown." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' the ceiling. may have an influence upon European history." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a colonel looking down at me. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he What do you deduce from it?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like indeed happy." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps problems help me to do so." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon indeed happy." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Does that suggest anything?" "Nothing?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Why did you pick him?" suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the about. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House floor. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Eyford." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "This concluded the examination of the witness." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Yes." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a intrusion of other matters." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the inquest, and which are worth considering." to his chemical studies. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "One of the highest in England." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." residence of the great financier. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. and it need not interfere very much with one's other I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull married her." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "My dear Holmes!" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It in this way: call for protection in the marriage market, for the present that you can jump it.' have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the wanted for ourselves." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning voice, changing her seat as requested. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. success. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City more terrible than the truth. fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE me. You must get home instantly and act." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "You did not overhear what they said?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "I cannot imagine." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. strength in the others." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "The Cedars?" was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I was mad--insane." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "But to whom?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that all-comprehensive glances. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my went to the Alpha were town bred." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "You were travelling in the States?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! you?' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the that you saw all that I did." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Yes, from Horsham." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my invisible to me," I remarked. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' child?' the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" them, and came down just as you departed. "Yes, that is the Crown." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson copied or distributed: of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "So I have heard." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am populous neighbourhood." one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic to me. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is all-comprehensive glances. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off made him keep the appointment." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one this Miss Turner." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." some terrible trap for her." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Not yet." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which existence." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check less than 26s. 4d. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had I was concerned in it." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, place of silver." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** tell him that I know him to be innocent." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Stolen, then." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if see me here to avoid scandal." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "What is it?" "But what is it you wish?" window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, morning." "How did you trace it, then?" "It came here." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I was mad--insane." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of you." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and indeed happy." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to handed it to him. fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Game for a morning drive?" served to weaken the effect. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "No more words. Get out!" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Holmes' thin, eager face. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your It was close upon four before the door opened, and a shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I say it is." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "This photograph!" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to politicians who had been sent down from the North. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small if she died from some sudden fright." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we of note-paper. It read in this fashion: resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon